The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has defended the comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan following criticism from the Presidency over remarks attributed to the Catholic cleric concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The development followed an interview in which Cardinal Onaiyekan spoke about the president during a programme on Arise TV. His comments reportedly attracted a response from the Presidency, which criticised the cardinal over his remarks.
Amid the controversy, the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria expressed support for Onaiyekan’s position and rejected claims that the cardinal had disclosed confidential information from a meeting involving the president.
The statement was shared on August 3, 2026, by Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, on his official X account.
In its response, the CLCN maintained that Cardinal Onaiyekan did not expose any private or confidential information. Instead, the organisation said the cardinal simply communicated the concerns of the Catholic Church and explained the response received from the government.
The council also described Onaiyekan as a person known for promoting peace, dialogue and integrity, suggesting that his comments should be viewed within the context of his long-standing commitment to constructive engagement.
According to the CLCN, “Cardinal John Onaiyekan did not reveal secrets, he shared the moral concerns of the church and the response of government. We know Cardinal John Onaiyekan to be a man of peace, dialogue and integrity.”
The organisation further stressed the importance of maintaining a productive relationship between religious institutions and the government. It noted that both sides have a shared responsibility to continue engaging with one another in the interest of the Nigerian people.
The council’s position comes amid a broader public discussion over the role of religious leaders in commenting on government policies and national affairs. The disagreement surrounding Onaiyekan’s remarks has attracted attention because of the sensitivity of the issues discussed and the response from the Presidency.
By defending the cardinal, the CLCN has sought to clarify that it considers his remarks to be an expression of legitimate moral concerns rather than an attempt to disclose information that was meant to remain confidential.
The organisation’s statement also emphasised the need for continued dialogue between the government and the Catholic Church, particularly on issues affecting the welfare and wellbeing of citizens.
The controversy has continued to generate reactions from members of the public, with different observers offering varying interpretations of the cardinal’s comments and the subsequent response from the Presidency. The CLCN, however, has maintained that Onaiyekan’s actions were consistent with his reputation for peaceful engagement and honest dialogue.
The full statement issued by the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria was also made available alongside the post shared by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu..See_More
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