Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned President Bola Tinubu against proceeding with Nigeria’s Independence Day parade on 1 October, saying the event could expose the country to danger.
In a statement reported on Monday, Primate Ayodele urged the president and relevant authorities to exercise caution over plans for the annual Independence Day celebrations.
According to the cleric, there are security concerns surrounding the proposed parade, although he did not provide evidence establishing that an attack or specific incident would occur.
His warning comes as Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence anniversary on 1 October.
The annual celebrations traditionally feature official ceremonies and other activities to commemorate Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
Primate Ayodele has made several predictions concerning political and security developments in Nigeria and other countries. His latest warning has drawn attention because of the sensitivity surrounding national security and large public gatherings.
There has been no indication from the Nigerian government that the Independence Day parade has been cancelled because of the warning.
The presidency and security agencies have yet to publicly respond specifically to Ayodele’s latest comments.
Independence Day celebrations are expected to proceed under security arrangements put in place by the relevant authorities, unless the government announces otherwise.
