By Peace Erewunmi

Catholic priest Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke has defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan following criticism by presidential media aide Tope Ajayi, insisting that the cardinal acted within his moral and pastoral responsibilities by speaking on national issues.

In a response titled “A Response to Tope Ajayi’s Article ‘Cardinal Onaiyekan’s Abuse of Clerical Privilege'”, Fr. Ugwoke rejected Ajayi’s claim that the cardinal had abused his clerical office. He argued that religious leaders have a legitimate duty to speak truth to power and to offer moral guidance on issues affecting society, particularly when citizens are experiencing hardship.

The priest maintained that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s comments on Nigeria’s economic situation and governance reflected longstanding Catholic social teaching on justice, accountability and the protection of human dignity, rather than partisan politics. He said the cardinal’s intervention should be viewed as a contribution to national discourse rather than an attempt to influence political outcomes.

Fr. Ugwoke also cautioned against dismissing criticism from religious leaders as political simply because it is directed at those in authority. According to him, the Church has consistently spoken on matters of governance regardless of which political party is in power, and its responsibility includes defending the common good and advocating for the welfare of the people.

The exchange follows an earlier article by Tope Ajayi, who criticised Cardinal Onaiyekan’s public remarks on the Tinubu administration, arguing that they represented a political opinion rather than the collective position of Nigerian Christians. The differing views have generated fresh debate on the role of religious leaders in national governance and public policy.