Christian Cleric Urges Political Engagement to Prevent Bad Governance

Christians must actively participate in politics to avoid being subjected to bad governance, warned Marian Talabi, the spiritual leader of Cherubim and Seraphim, Ona Iwa Mimo Oke Ayo. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to mark the church's 50th anniversary, Talabi stressed that believers should not leave the country's governance in the hands of individuals whose values might clash with Christian principles.

Talabi asserted that Christians who abstain from politics have little standing to complain when unfavorable decisions are made. "Christians must be involved in politics because if you don’t get yourself involved in politics, you find non-believers beating your heads," she stated. She added that when genuine Christians are in government, they would prioritize divine guidance for the people's welfare over commercial interests.

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Christians must be involved in politics because if you don’t get yourself involved in politics, you find non-believers beating your heads. And by the time they give you rules and commands, you have to follow them, whether it is suitable for you or not.

The cleric also invoked biblical principles of righteousness to underscore the necessity of Christian involvement in governance. She further encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace leadership roles, referencing the late church founder, Maria Ogunyooye, who consistently prepared young people for succession. Ogunyooye believed that the younger generation should be empowered as leaders of today, not just the future.

Segun Adelaja, the church's chairman, detailed the church's history, noting its founding in 1976. He mentioned that the current celebration marks the 50th anniversary. Justice Adeola Adelaja, the Local Organising Chairman, highlighted the church's continued growth over five decades since its founder's passing. The church is advancing projects initiated by the late founder, including a clinic nearing completion and a proposed auditorium. The clinic requires approximately N40 million for equipment, while the auditorium is estimated to cost N5 billion.

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Our youth are future leaders. They are leaders of tomorrow. But before her demise, she believed that the youths are the leaders of today.