Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Solomon Dalung has sharply criticized Methodist Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, over remarks directed at Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan.
The dispute centers on Adegbite’s recent comments questioning Onaiyekan’s public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Adegbite had argued that while religious leaders are free to support presidential candidates of their choice, they should not disparage other contenders. He also suggested that discussions held during a recent meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and the president should have remained confidential.
Responding in a statement on his verified Facebook page, Dalung defended the right of Catholic bishops to critique government policies. He accused Adegbite of attempting to frame the bishops as political opponents of the Tinubu administration simply because they have voiced concerns about governance.
Dalung acknowledged Adegbite’s right to support the president and to defend the government when he believes it is unfairly attacked. However, he said questioning the motives of the Catholic bishops without presenting evidence was inappropriate.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with a bishop supporting a president,” Dalung wrote. “There is nothing wrong with him believing that Tinubu is doing a good job. There is nothing wrong with him defending the government when he believes the government is being unfairly attacked. He should rather provide facts of his criticism.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between religious leaders and political allies over the role of faith-based voices in public accountability. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has frequently issued statements on insecurity, economic hardship, and governance, drawing both praise and pushback from government supporters.
Adegbite, a Methodist cleric appointed to head the pilgrims commission, has not issued a rejoinder. The commission, a federal agency, organizes Christian pilgrimages to holy sites and operates under the presidency.
Observers say the clash reflects broader debates about institutional independence, freedom of expression, and the boundaries between spiritual leadership and political allegiance in Nigeria. As the Tinubu administration approaches its second year, scrutiny from religious and civil society groups is expected to persist.