Controversial cleric and leader of the Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has publicly criticized Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, over what he described as her silence regarding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Speaking during a recent address, Primate Ayodele expressed disappointment that the First Lady had not publicly condemned the kidnapping or actively joined calls for the safe return of the victims.
According to the cleric, Oluremi Tinubu should have demonstrated sympathy and solidarity with the affected families, particularly given the widespread outrage that has followed the attacks.
“Remi Tinubu, you did not behave like a mother at all. You should have done what Jonathan’s wife did in 2014, even if it meant to pretend. You never protested to demand the safe return of kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren. Instead, you were busy distributing cars to APC women leaders. You will make Tinubu lose the 2027 elections. I’ll tell you the truth,” Ayodele said.
The outspoken prophet further stated that he felt obligated to speak truthfully to the First Lady regardless of any personal consequences.
According to him, he is not concerned about her reaction, alleging that she already dislikes him.
“I am telling her the truth because that is my duty. She doesn’t like me now, but I must say what is right,” he added.
Oyo School Abductions Spark National Outrage
Primate Ayodele’s remarks come amid growing public anger over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May 2026. Armed gunmen invaded educational institutions in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities, kidnapping students and members of staff while leaving several others injured.
Reports indicate that more than 30 pupils and several teachers were taken during the attacks, which security experts have described as one of the most alarming school kidnappings recorded in Nigeria’s South-West region in recent years.
The tragedy deepened after one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers while in captivity. The gruesome development generated nationwide condemnation and intensified demands for urgent government action. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde subsequently confirmed the killing and vowed to continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.
The attacks have triggered protests across several states, with teachers’ unions, civil society groups, parents, and concerned citizens demanding the immediate rescue of the victims and stronger security measures. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) also declared industrial action in Oyo State, insisting that the safety of teachers and students must be guaranteed before normal academic activities can fully resume.
Rising Insecurity Remains Major National Concern
The Oyo kidnappings have renewed debate about Nigeria’s worsening security situation. Once largely concentrated in parts of the North-East and North-West, mass kidnappings and bandit attacks have increasingly spread into southern regions, raising fears among residents and security analysts.
Recent attacks on schools and communities across multiple states have heightened concerns about the ability of security agencies to contain criminal groups and protect vulnerable populations. Human rights organizations, community leaders, and opposition voices have repeatedly called for more decisive action to address the country’s security challenges.
As public frustration grows over the continued captivity of many victims, the Oyo school abductions have become a rallying point for citizens demanding accountability, improved security, and urgent intervention from both federal and state authorities.
Primate Ayodele’s comments are expected to further fuel public debate over the role of political leaders and their families in responding to national tragedies, particularly those involving children and educational institutions.
