Monrovia – The Government of Liberia, through its Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, has formally lodged a complaint with the Nigerian government over what it described as derogatory and potentially destabilizing comments made by Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele about President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and Liberia’s political future.
The complaint follows the circulation of videos on social media in which Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, described President Boakai as “confused,” “old,” and “tired,” while questioning why the Liberian leader had not resigned from office.
The Nigerian preacher also predicted political turmoil, including the possibility of a coup d’état, should President Boakai remain in power, comments that have triggered criticism from Liberians at home and abroad.
In a formal diplomatic communication addressed to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Liberian Embassy expressed concern that the repeated statements could negatively affect Liberia’s peace and stability while straining the longstanding relationship between the two West African nations.
“The Embassy respectfully notes that these remarks have generated significant concerns within Liberia and among the Liberian diaspora, giving rise to anti-Nigeria sentiments amongst Liberians and creating the potential to undermine Liberia’s peace, stability, and democratic governance,” the letter stated.
The Embassy noted that this was not the first time Ayodele had publicly commented on Liberian politics. According to the communication, the cleric was actively involved during Liberia’s 2023 presidential elections, publicly supporting a candidate and continuing to make pronouncements on Liberia’s internal political affairs.
While reaffirming Liberia’s respect for Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and freedom of religion, the Embassy emphasized that public statements concerning friendly nations and their democratically elected leaders should be made responsibly.
“While fully respecting Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of religion, the Embassy considers it important that public statements concerning friendly foreign states and their democratically elected leaders be made responsibly and in a manner that promotes mutual respect and cordial relations,” the letter said.
The Liberian government further warned that the persistent nature of the comments could undermine the historic ties shared by the peoples of Liberia and Nigeria.
“The Embassy is particularly concerned that the persistent derogatory statements made by Primate Ayodele could undermine the longstanding brotherly relationship between the peoples of Liberia and Nigeria,” the communication added.
Liberia’s Embassy has requested that the Nigerian Foreign Ministry bring the matter to the attention of relevant authorities for consideration and possible redress.
The diplomatic protest highlights growing sensitivity over foreign commentary on Liberia’s internal political affairs, particularly at a time when the government continues to emphasize national stability, democratic governance, and regional cooperation.
The Embassy concluded its correspondence by renewing assurances of its highest consideration to the Government of Nigeria while urging constructive engagement on the matter.
