Afrobeats musician Spyro has sparked widespread conversation after calling out religious leaders in Nigeria over their perceived silence on the country’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, the singer expressed deep frustration that churches and mosques continue with regular sermons and services without addressing the pressing issues affecting millions of Nigerians. According to him, the current situation has become unbearable, making the silence of influential spiritual leaders both concerning and disappointing.
“I never ever thought that a day like this would come, that I’ll be calling out the people that I respect so much. But at this point, water don pass garri, the happenings in this country are sickening, exhausting, stressful,” he said.
Spyro stressed that religious institutions have a responsibility to speak up for the people and hold authorities accountable, especially during times of national crisis. He argued that any church or mosque that fails to address the realities on ground is not fulfilling its duty to its followers.
“Any church that is preaching any message that is different from what is happening in this country and speaking up for the people and speaking to the government, you are wrong. Any mosque right now that is speaking anything different from what is happening in this country right now, you are wrong,” he added.
The singer also pointed out that while some members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have spoken out, many prominent religious figures have remained silent. He questioned the absence of voices from well-known clerics, including Enoch Adeboye, David Oyedepo, William Kumuyi, and Jerry Eze, as well as leading Islamic scholars across the country.
Referencing recent incidents of violence, including attacks and abductions in places like Oyo State, Spyro reminded religious leaders of the historical role of prophets and spiritual figures in confronting injustice and speaking truth to power.
“Even the Bible says the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violence taketh it by force. Prophets were raised to go speak to the system, speak to the kings, and warn them. Is it that God doesn’t care about his people again? Is it that God is no longer speaking?” he asked.
His remarks have since triggered mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting his call for accountability, while others argue that religious leaders may be addressing the issues in less public ways.
Nonetheless, Spyro’s message has added to the growing voices demanding urgent attention to insecurity and economic struggles, as citizens continue to seek leadership and reassurance in challenging times.
