By Jimoh Ahmed
In societies struggling with governance challenges, the relationship between truth and power often becomes contentious. The controversy surrounding the statement credited to the Lord Bishop of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Owo Diocese, Stephen Ayodeji Akinwale Fagbemi, and the response from the camp of Honourable Timehin Adelegbe, exemplifies this tension. At its heart, this debacle speaks volumes about the uncomfortable realities of truth-telling in public discourse, the role of religious authorities in governance, and the responsibilities of those in political office to embrace constructive criticism.
A Voice of Courage in a World of Compromise
Bishop Fagbemi is not new to calling out societal and political injustices. His reputation as a fearless cleric precedes him, bolstered by years of speaking truth to power. In his writings, sermons, and public engagements, he has consistently challenged leaders to uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and equity. For the Bishop, leadership is not merely a position of privilege but a sacred duty to serve the people and ensure their well-being.
This philosophy was evident in an interview I conducted with him in 2021 during my tenure as a reporter for The Hope Newspaper. He declared, “Religious authorities, pastors and imams, should be bold to tell the truth to those in government. It is only then good governance will reign, and good governance is the only way to a better Nigeria.” This statement encapsulates his unwavering belief in the transformative power of truth.
It is within this context that Bishop Fagbemi’s recent remarks about Honourable Timehin Adelegbe’s non-accessibility should be understood. His critique was not born out of malice but out of a genuine desire to see public officials live up to the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The Problem of Non-Responsiveness in Leadership
Accessibility is a fundamental quality of good leadership. Public officeholders, by the nature of their positions, are accountable to the people. They must remain approachable, listening to the needs, grievances, and aspirations of those they represent. When leaders distance themselves from their constituents, they risk losing touch with the realities on the ground and, consequently, their legitimacy.
In the case of Honourable Timehin Adelegbe, the Bishop’s comments highlighted a growing perception among constituents that their representative was becoming increasingly disconnected. Whether this perception is accurate or not, the response from Adelegbe’s media team was telling. Instead of addressing the concerns raised, they resorted to defensive rhetoric, an approach that does little to foster dialogue or rebuild trust.
The Role of Religious Leaders in Governance
Religious leaders occupy a unique position in society. They are moral compasses, guiding their followers toward righteousness and justice. In a country like Nigeria, where religion plays a significant role in shaping societal values, clerics like Bishop Fagbemi wield considerable influence. This influence, however, comes with a responsibility to speak truthfully and boldly, especially when addressing the excesses of those in power.
Throughout history, religious leaders have played critical roles in holding governments accountable. From Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s anti-apartheid activism in South Africa to Pope John Paul II’s support for the Solidarity movement in Poland, the examples are numerous. In Nigeria, figures like Bishop Fagbemi continue this tradition, reminding leaders that their authority is not absolute but subject to moral and ethical scrutiny.
Bishop Fagbemi’s approach to governance critiques is rooted in this tradition. His remarks about Honourable Adelegbe were not an isolated incident but part of a broader commitment to ensuring that leaders remain true to their mandates. However, such truth-telling is often met with hostility, as seen in the reactions from Adelegbe’s camp.
The Danger of Sycophancy
One of the greatest threats to good governance is sycophancy. When leaders surround themselves with praise-singers who shield them from criticism, they risk becoming insulated from reality. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in Nigerian politics, where loyalty is often prioritized over competence, and dissenting voices are silenced or dismissed.
The response from Honourable Adelegbe’s team reflects this tendency. Rather than engaging constructively with the Bishop’s critique, they chose to attack the messenger, thereby deflecting attention from the issues at hand. This approach not only undermines the credibility of the officeholder but also stifles meaningful dialogue and progress.
True leadership requires the humility to accept criticism and the wisdom to act on it. Leaders must recognize that dissenting voices, even when uncomfortable, are essential for growth and improvement. Constructive criticism is not an attack but an opportunity to reflect, learn, and do better.
The Nigerian Context
The Bishop Fagbemi–Adelegbe debacle is a microcosm of a larger problem in Nigerian governance. The culture of impunity, lack of accountability, and resistance to criticism has hindered the country’s progress for decades. Leaders often view public office as a means of personal enrichment rather than a platform for service, while citizens are left disillusioned and disconnected from the political process.
Religious leaders, like Bishop Fagbemi, have a crucial role to play in challenging this status quo. By holding leaders accountable and advocating for the welfare of the people, they serve as a moral check on the excesses of those in power. However, their efforts are often met with resistance, as seen in the hostile reactions to the Bishop’s comments.
Lessons for Leadership
The controversy surrounding Bishop Fagbemi’s remarks offers valuable lessons for both leaders and citizens. For leaders, it underscores the importance of accessibility, humility, and accountability. Public officeholders must remain connected to their constituents, listening to their needs and addressing their concerns. They must also be willing to accept criticism and use it as a tool for improvement.
For citizens, the incident serves as a reminder of the need to demand more from their leaders. Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in governance, holding their representatives accountable and pushing for transparency and justice.
Finally, for religious leaders, the debacle highlights the challenges and responsibilities of truth-telling in a hostile environment. Despite the resistance they may face, they must continue to speak boldly, guided by their moral convictions and commitment to the greater good.
Moving Forward
The path to a better Nigeria lies in embracing uncomfortable truths and using them as a foundation for genuine progress. Leaders must move beyond defensiveness and engage constructively with critiques, recognizing that accountability is a cornerstone of effective governance. Citizens, too, must play their part, refusing to be silenced by fear or apathy and demanding the change they wish to see.
Bishop Fagbemi’s courage in speaking truth to power serves as an inspiration for all who seek to build a more just and equitable society. His unwavering commitment to justice and good governance reminds us that truth, though often inconvenient, is essential for progress.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Truth never damages a cause that is just.” The Bishop’s critique was not an attack but a call to action—a reminder that leadership is a sacred trust, and those who hold it must remain accountable to the people they serve.
As we reflect on the Bishop Fagbemi–Adelegbe debacle, let us commit ourselves to fostering a culture of truth, accountability, and justice. Only then can we hope to build a Nigeria where good governance reigns, and the voices of reason and morality are not drowned out by the noise of sycophancy and defensiveness.
Conclusion
The tension between truth and power is a defining feature of human society, and the Bishop Fagbemi–Adelegbe controversy is no exception. At its heart, this incident is a testament to the enduring struggle for accountability, integrity, and justice in governance.
As we navigate the complexities of this issue, let us remember the words of Bishop Fagbemi: “Good governance is the only way to a better Nigeria.” Achieving this vision requires the courage to speak the truth, the humility to accept it, and the collective will to act on it.
3 Comments
Since, it is the duty of clergymen to speak the truth, let it continued to be told, people like him will soon find their feet. If people you represent can’t even have access to you nor feel your impact, who do you represent consistency or yourself.
Tell politician like Adelegbe to beware, their days are numbered, Nigerians will descend on them.
Those who tell you the truth, that needs to be appreciated, you are facing them, for Bishop Fagbemi that you are facing it’s a lost battle for you and your team
Yes that is it, one thing I know is that nomatters how lie spead is, the truth will found it one day
Politicians like Hon. Adelegbe are only fighting battles that are already lost. People are aware of their antics. They are simply representing themselves,few of their party loyalists and not the people. Any person, whatever may be his position in the society who refused or feel too big to be corrected or brought back to reality is already doomed. Bishop Fagbemi has done his God sent duty and the reaction of Hon Adelegbe and his team revealed that the Bishop is right. Their reactions are only defensive.