A Fulani group, the Fulani Association for Great Leadership (FAGL), has launched a scathing attack on northern politician Umar Ardo for what it described as his “needless and self-serving” criticism of renowned cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele.
The disagreement erupted after Primate Ayodele advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against placing northern politicians in sensitive government positions, warning that such appointments could lead to betrayal.
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Ardo, visibly incensed, accused the prophet of “ethnic bigotry” and branded his words “unchristian and hypocritical.”
But the Fulani association has now turned the tables on Ardo. In a statement signed by its president, Abdullahi Raheem, FAGL condemned the politician’s intervention, insisting he was “interfering in a message not directed at him.”
Quoting a Fulani proverb, Raheem likened Ardo to someone answering a question that was never asked of him, stressing that the politician’s response smacked of desperation. “This prophecy was advice to President Tinubu, not Umar Ardo. His angry outburst suggests he may be nursing hopes of an appointment,” the group declared.
FAGL further pointed out that Primate Ayodele’s prophecies have never been targeted at one region or religion, noting that he has warned politicians across the board, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Pointing up the cleric’s record of tolerance and generosity, the group fiercely rejected Ardo’s accusation of bigotry. “Can Ardo name any Christian leader in Nigeria who has built a mosque with his personal funds? Only Primate Ayodele. Can he name any Christian prophet the Sultan of Sokoto calls a true friend? Again, only Ayodele. Who else provides food and cash support to Muslims, including Fulani communities, during Ramadan? None but Ayodele,” the statement read.
The Fulani group accused Ardo of chasing political relevance after serially failing in his bids to become governor of Adamawa State. “He is not speaking for the North; he is speaking for himself. Everyone knows Primate Ayodele is Nigeria’s most popular prophet. Attacking him is simply Ardo’s shortcut to media attention,” Raheem said.
FAGL insisted that the cleric would not stoop to respond personally, but northerners who respect him will not stay silent. “We say it loud and clear: Umar Ardo is wrong. He should be the one apologising.”
