By Wilson Okeola
Founder and Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Warriors for Christ Mission, Prophet Solomon Olukunmi Ajao, (JP), has said the display of the Russian flag during the recent protest is a bad omen for the country and an expression of the desire of some Nigerians for secession.
He also attributed the economic crisis in the country to the inaugural speech of President Bola Tinubu during which he gleefully announced the removal of fuel subsidy.
Ajao made the observation during a chat with Church Times at the church’s 10th annual convention.
hardship after Tinubu’s speech
The convention which had the theme, ‘Jesus Warns the Galileans’, was held on Sunday, August 18 at the Church’s Prayer City in Ibogun Odeyinlo, Ifo, Ogun State.
He emphasized that since Tinubu announced the subsidy removal, the nation has faced significant economic challenges.
The cleric said Nigeria began to experience an economic downturn right from May 29, 2023, when President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy upon assuming office,”
“Since then, the economy has been paralyzed. Hardship has ensued, affecting all. Prices of food commodities and other goods have increased far more than expected. People are struggling to provide three square meals a day, and many can no longer afford a balanced diet—they eat whatever they can find.”
No going back
Prophet Ajao noted however that the president cannot rescind its decision adding, “The government’s plans before removing the fuel subsidy were not solid enough. He should have waited to put measures in place that would support the poor masses before making such a drastic move. The timing was ill-considered.”
While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the prophet condemned the violence that followed the protests.
Ajao whose Church Headquartres, located at 9, Railway Line, Fagba, Iju Station, Lagos, was razed by #EndSARS protesters in 2020, noted that some individuals attempted to exploit the recent protest to create chaos in the country.
He also observed that the protest revealed deep-seated tensions among the three major geopolitical zones in Nigeria—Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba—citing the display of Russian flags during the demonstrations as a sign of the growing desire for secession.
“Some people tried to use the protest to destabilize the Tinubu administration. Not everyone will support the government, and not everyone will oppose it. You saw some individuals raising Russian flags during the protest. This reflects the sentiment among the three major geopolitical zones that are weary of being united. Some people express this privately but cannot voice it publicly. The Biafrans have already made their stance clear,” Ajao said.
Reflecting on the theme of the convention, the fiery preacher explained that the theme was inspired by the book of Luke 13 as directed by the Holy Spirit.
He lamented that many Christians today have strayed from the true gospel, focusing instead on breakthroughs, miracles, and wealth.
Ajao criticized some pastors for neglecting the message of salvation, noting that they often change topics within minutes of preaching as if they are advertising something.
“When some men of God begin preaching, they switch topics within five minutes, as if they are doing an advertisement. Many are no longer preaching what truly matters; they are simply entertaining the congregation and trying to attract larger crowds,” he said.
Despite the economic difficulties that prevented the church from providing meals for worshippers for the first time in the history of the convention, Ajao expressed gratitude to God for the event’s success.
He noted that the turnout for the five-day convention, which featured lectures, salvation, healing, and musical ministrations, exceeded expectations.
“I am pleased to see significant growth in the spiritual lives of the attendees. Despite the lack of food, their enthusiasm was undeterred, and the turnout was remarkable. Their eagerness to hear the word of God was truly inspiring,” Ajao stated.
Ajao then urged fellow men of God to engage in deep self-reflection, questioning whether they are genuinely called to their ministry and if they are faithfully serving God with sincerity and integrity.
He emphasized the importance of aligning their actions and teachings with the true calling of their divine mission.
