In a sermon that blended spiritual counsel with contemporary governance, a prominent Islamic cleric has publicly called on Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to maintain his focus and steadfastness in the face of national challenges. The advice came during a significant public appearance by the President at a Lagos mosque, highlighting the enduring intersection of faith and statecraft in Nigerian society.
President Tinubu joined worshippers for the Friday Juma’at prayers at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos on December 26, 2025, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. The visit, part of the President’s end-of-year stay in the commercial capital, was not merely ceremonial but became a platform for profound guidance from the visiting Imam, Dr. Salahudeen Arriyadhi.
In his sermon, Imam Arriyadhi performed a delicate balancing act: he commended the Tinubu administration for its ongoing developmental projects while directly acknowledging the inevitable difficulties of leadership. His central message was one of resilience. “You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” he stated, a pragmatic reminder for any leader navigating a diverse and often polarized nation like Nigeria. This counsel moves beyond platitude, recognizing that effective governance often involves making tough, unpopular decisions for long-term gain.
The Imam anchored his advice in Islamic theology, quoting from the Qur’an to outline a divine framework for leadership. He emphasized that “Allah is pleased with leaders who listen to the cries of their followers but unhappy with leaders who do not attend to the needs of the led.” This formulation presents a compelling contract: legitimacy and divine favor are earned not by omnipotence, but by empathy, attentiveness, and responsive action. It serves as a powerful, faith-based check on executive power, urging leaders to remain connected to the lived realities of their citizens.
The sermon, titled “Unity in Diversity” and “Remembering the Day of Judgement,” tackled another core Nigerian issue: national cohesion. Imam Arriyadhi provided a theological perspective on diversity, arguing that human differences in “colour, tribe, religion, language and nation” are divinely ordained and intentional. “Diversity is a sign of Allah’s Wisdom. If Allah had wanted everyone of his creations to be one, he would have created them one,” he said. This framing transforms diversity from a problem to be managed into a manifestation of divine will meant to “foster harmony and learning.” In a nation frequently strained by ethnic and religious tensions, this message advocates for a shift from mere tolerance to active appreciation of difference as a source of national strength.
The high-profile nature of the event was underscored by the dignitaries present. President Tinubu was accompanied by key figures from his administration, including his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu. He was received at the Mosque by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. This attendance signifies the importance of such public religious engagements in the Nigerian political landscape, where leaders visibly seek both divine blessing and public solidarity.
Ultimately, the Imam’s closing assurance—”We are praying for you, and you will succeed”—encapsulates the event’s spirit. It was less a simple religious service and more a public ritual of endorsement, counsel, and moral accountability. The sermon provided a unique lens through which to view leadership expectations in Nigeria: a call for focus amidst criticism, for action rooted in listening, and for unity that celebrates, rather than fears, the nation’s profound diversity.
Reported by Muhyideen Jimoh for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
