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A leading Igbo cultural figure, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Arafat Ezenwa, popularly known as Ijele Nwanyi Igbo Nile, has issued a strong statement condemning the recent remarks attributed to Primate Elijah Ayodele, in which the cleric allegedly described the Igbo ethnic group as “the problem of Nigeria” and labeled them “cursed” or “desperate for power.”

She described the comments as historically false, morally damaging, and capable of deepening ethnic tensions in a country struggling to maintain national harmony.

In her response, Chief Ezenwa stressed that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution accords equal rights, privileges, and opportunities to all citizens irrespective of tribe or origin, affirming that Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Tiv, Kanuri, Ijaw, and every other group stand equal before the law. She argued that no tribe is cursed or barred from seeking leadership positions and that Nigeria belongs fully and equally to all Nigerians.

She highlighted the longstanding contributions of the Igbo people to Nigeria’s growth and global standing, noting their exceptional achievements in commerce, industry, education, medicine, science, technology, and public service.

According to her, labeling such a productive and patriotic people as the “problem of Nigeria” is not only untrue but an injustice to history and national reality.

Chief Ezenwa emphasized that democratic competition for political leadership is a civic right enjoyed by every ethnic group in the country. She noted that campaigning, negotiating, and participating in elections are normal democratic processes and that singling out the Igbo people for exercising the same rights as other groups is discriminatory and inflammatory.

She further stressed that the pulpit should serve as a platform for truth, unity, and moral guidance, not a tool for promoting tribal prejudice. As a Christian, she reminded religious leaders that faith teaches love, equality, and peace, not condemnation or bias against any ethnic community.

Addressing Nigeria’s challenges, Chief Ezenwa asserted that the nation’s problems are collective and systemic, spanning corruption, unemployment, insecurity, weak institutions, and economic instability.

These issues, she said, affect Nigerians across all tribes and regions, and cannot be attributed to any single ethnic group. Divisive rhetoric, she added, distracts from the real work of nation-building and undermines efforts toward reconciliation and development.

She concluded by affirming the dignity and integrity of the Igbo people, describing them as resilient, industrious, patriotic, and deeply committed to Nigeria’s progress. Chief Ezenwa called on Nigerians to reject narratives that sow discord and instead embrace unity, truth, and mutual respect as essential foundations for a stronger and more prosperous nation.

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