Ewenla Faults Religious Spending as Nigeria Battles Terrorism

…Criticizes decades of religious spending amid terrorism and kidnappings

Growing insecurity across Nigeria has continued to spark public debate over the role of religion, government spending, and national security priorities.

In a lengthy public statement, by Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, who identified himself as the Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and a security expert, criticized what he described as years of heavy government spending on religious activities despite worsening security challenges in the country.

According to him, successive Nigerian governments have consistently allocated billions of naira to sponsor Muslim pilgrims for Hajj and Lesser Hajj exercises, while also supporting Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem.

He argued that these expenditures have continued for decades under different administrations.
Ewenla noted that religious leaders from both Islam and Christianity are frequently invited to government functions and prayer events at the Presidential Villa, while public funds are reportedly spent on religious programs and activities nationwide.

Ewenla further pointed out that government institutions, including military barracks and state secretariats, often contain publicly funded mosques and churches, with pastors and imams attached to those institutions reportedly receiving salaries from government resources.

According to him, traditional worshippers and free thinkers remain excluded from such arrangements despite being part of the country’s religious and cultural landscape.

The statement questioned whether years of government-sponsored religious activities and public prayers have translated into meaningful improvements in national security, especially as Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks in different regions.

“When insecurity continues to rise despite decades of religious spending and public prayers, Nigerians have the right to ask questions about accountability and priorities,” he stated.

Ewenla also criticized what he described as unequal treatment of traditional worshippers, arguing that while public offices, appointments, and benefits are often shared among major religious groups, adherents of traditional beliefs rarely receive similar recognition or institutional support.

He further reacted to criticisms directed at Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, over insecurity in the Southwest. According to him, some critics unfairly expect Adams and local security groups to confront armed criminals without adequate government support.

Ewenla referenced a past pipeline security contract awarded to Gani Adams during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the initiative created employment opportunities for youths in the Southwest before it was later discontinued under a subsequent administration.

The statement also defended the efforts of local security groups such as OPC, Amotekun, vigilantes, and other Yoruba self-defense groups, stressing that effective security operations require proper funding, intelligence, logistics, and institutional backing.

“No individual or local group can successfully fight heavily armed terrorists without adequate support from government,” he stated.

Ewenla called for fairness, accountability, and sincerity in Nigeria’s approach to insecurity and national unity, urging government authorities to address security concerns beyond religious sentiments.

He also emphasized the right of Nigerians to express independent opinions on religion and governance without intimidation or personal attacks.

The statement has since generated conversations online, with many Nigerians debating the relationship between religion, governance, public spending, and national security.