Nigeria Distances Itself from Pastor Ayodele’s Remarks on President Boakai- Government says cleric spoke in personal capacity; remarks do not represent official government position.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Government of Nigeria has officially distanced itself from recent remarks attributed to Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele concerning Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, emphasizing that the statements were made in the pastor’s private capacity and do not reflect the position of the Nigerian government.
In a diplomatic communication dated June 8, 2026, addressed to Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that any views expressed by Ayodele were solely his personal opinions and should not be interpreted as the official stance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The letter, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stressed that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy that upholds the rule of law and protects fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression.
“The Government of Nigeria wishes to state unequivocally that any views attributed to Mr. Ayodele were expressed solely in his private capacity and do not represent the position of the Nigerian State,” the communication noted.
The Nigerian government further explained that it does not censor or suppress the opinions of private citizens, provided such expressions remain within the limits prescribed by law. It added that comments made by private individuals are generally not matters for diplomatic engagement and cannot be officially attributed to the government.
Nigeria also expressed surprise that statements allegedly made by a private citizen had become the subject of formal diplomatic correspondence between the two countries.
“To attribute the views of a private citizen to the Government of Nigeria would be inconsistent with accepted democratic principles and diplomatic practice,” the letter stated.
Despite the controversy, Nigeria reaffirmed its longstanding friendship and strong bilateral relations with Liberia, expressing confidence that both nations would continue to focus on issues of mutual interest and cooperation.
The diplomatic clarification follows concerns raised by the Liberian government over remarks reportedly made by Pastor Ayodele regarding President Boakai and governance issues in Liberia.
Nigeria concluded by reiterating its commitment to maintaining cordial relations with Liberia and advancing cooperation between the two West African nations.
