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Religious leaders and scholars have raised concerns over growing political partisanship within Christian circles, calling for a renewed commitment to holiness, integrity and moral clarity as Primate (Dr.) Theophilus Oluwasanu Olabayo marked his 80th birthday in Lagos.
The call was made during a colloquium organised in honour of Olabayo, founder of the Evangelical Church of Yahweh. The event brought together theologians, clerics and academics who reflected on the prophetic responsibility of the church and its role in Nigeria’s social and political development.
Delivering the keynote address, Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, Bishop Theologian of the Anglican Church of Nigeria and Bishop of the Diocese of Ilesa, described the prophetic office as a divine mandate rooted in Scripture. Drawing from biblical narratives, he explained that prophets historically served as moral sentinels who warned rulers, confronted injustice and guided nations toward righteousness.
“Prophets are raised for specific generations,” he said. “Their role is to warn, to intercede and to guide nations toward righteousness.”
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Asaju argued that at a time marked by political instability, economic hardship and insecurity, the Nigerian church must reclaim its watchman role without becoming entangled in partisan struggles. He positioned Olabayo within that prophetic tradition, noting that since founding the Evangelical Church of Yahweh in 1973, the cleric’s ministry has spoken to political transitions, social crises and economic challenges.
From an academic perspective, Rotimi Williams Omotoye, Rector of the Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, situated Olabayo’s work within the broader history of African prophetic movements. He observed that Nigerian church historiography has often concentrated on major urban centres while overlooking emerging movements in other regions.
Omotoye called for deeper documentation of indigenous church expressions and their national impact. He also challenged the Evangelical Church of Yahweh to strengthen its legacy through institution-building, particularly in education and healthcare. According to him, churches that endure across generations are those that invest in structured social infrastructure.
Examining the theological and sociological dimensions of the church as a watchman, Oluwayemisi Obashoro-John, Assistant Chaplain at the Chapel of Christ Our Light and professor at the University of Lagos, noted that the Nigerian church has historically gone beyond worship to influence education, humanitarian services, reconciliation and civic engagement.
