Catholic Laity Council Backs Cardinal Onaiyekan, CYON Calls For Neutrality

Two prominent Catholic organisations have expressed differing perspectives on the role of the Church and its leaders in Nigeria’s political space, following recent controversy surrounding comments by the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, on a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

While both bodies called for national unity, peace and the common good, the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) and the Catholic Youth Association of Nigeria (CYON) differed on how clergy should engage in partisan political discourse.

In a press statement jointly signed by the National President, Sir Ambrose Obioha and Secretary General, Mr Francis Olayinka Ojo, the National Executive Council of the CLCN declared its support for Cardinal Onaiyekan, dismissing allegations that the cleric breached confidence by speaking publicly about the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic bishops.

The Council maintained that the Church has a divine mandate to speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable and hold public office holders accountable in line with Catholic Social Teaching.

According to the CLCN, Cardinal Onaiyekan’s comments should not be interpreted as an abuse of privilege or a breach of trust but as part of the Church’s pastoral responsibility to address issues affecting the nation’s wellbeing.

The Council further argued that although private meetings deserve respect, discussions touching on national security, the economy, justice and citizens’ welfare are matters of public interest.

It also described Cardinal Onaiyekan as a man of peace, dialogue and integrity, insisting that his intervention was intended to promote national conscience rather than embarrass the government.

The Council called on both the Presidency and the Church to sustain dialogue, stressing that Nigeria needs strong moral voices while urging citizens to continue praying for the nation’s leaders.

However, in an open letter dated August 4, 2026, the Catholic Youth Association of Nigeria adopted a more cautious position, urging the Church to remain above partisan politics.

The association stated that while the Church’s mission includes proclaiming the Gospel, defending human dignity and promoting justice, no individual Cardinal, Bishop, priest or layperson speaks for all Catholics in Nigeria on political issues.

CYON further stated that it does not collectively endorse any political party or presidential candidate, noting that every Catholic has the constitutional right to make political choices based on personal conscience and careful consideration of the issues and candidates.

CYON urged Church leaders to exercise caution whenever commenting on partisan political issues, warning that many faithful often interpret such statements as representing the position of the entire Catholic Church.

According to the association, the Church’s credibility is strengthened when it remains a father to all, regardless of political affiliation.

The youth body further called for a clear distinction between the Church’s prophetic responsibility to speak on moral and social issues and the personal political opinions of individual clergy, insisting that such opinions should not be taken as the collective position of Nigerian Catholics.

It prayed that the Catholic Church in Nigeria would continue to unite rather than divide, evangelise rather than polarise, and remain a beacon of hope, charity and truth.

The two statements come amid heightened public debate over the relationship between religious leaders and political authority, following recent exchanges involving the Presidency, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Cardinal Onaiyekan.

Although they approached the issue from different perspectives, both organisations reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to justice, peace, dialogue and the promotion of the common good, while encouraging Catholics to act in accordance with faith and conscience.