Wike, on live TV, you declared: “Any day that I ever make Dr. Odili and his family cry, God, don’t allow me to grow.” Yet today, your actions contradict this solemn statement. President Tinubu and fellow Nigerians, this is a moment to reflect. Wike, a public servant, now blatantly disrespects an elder, undermines African cultural values, and ignores the divine principles of humility and respect. Let us remember—God does not favor arrogance or actions that defy the sacred traditions of our heritage.

In 2022, during his journey to secure the presidency of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu humbly declared:

“All I came for today is to seek your blessing, your cooperation, your prayer for me to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

This profound statement reflects the deeply ingrained respect for African traditions that Tinubu has long embodied. It is a reminder of the values that underlie African societies—values of humility, reverence for elders, and acknowledgment of their wisdom and spiritual authority. These principles form the foundation of the cultural fabric that unites communities across the continent. Elders are not just individuals but institutions of knowledge, tradition, and moral guidance. Seeking their blessing is not only a cultural obligation but a spiritual necessity.

Today, this same ethos calls for President Tinubu to address the troubling conduct of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wike’s repeated verbal attacks on 76-year-old Dr. Peter Odili and 97-year-old Chief Edwin Clark—a revered elder and Leader of the Niger Delta—violate the very traditions that Tinubu has championed. These acts of disrespect undermine the African values of seniority, humility, and reverence for leadership. As a man in his 50s, Wike has no cultural or moral justification for his words and actions against these elders, regardless of any political grievances.

This is a moment for President Tinubu to step in—not just as a political leader but as a custodian of tradition—to guide Wike toward reconciliation through a profound act of humility: kneeling before Odili and Clark to seek their forgiveness. Such an intervention would not only restore harmony but also reaffirm the importance of African traditions in governance and public life.

A Troubling Pattern of Disrespect

In recent months, Wike has consistently demonstrated a disregard for the values of respect and humility expected of leaders, particularly toward elder statesmen. He accused Dr. Peter Odili of “personalizing” Rivers State and claimed credit for reviving Odili’s political relevance. These accusations, made without provocation, struck at the very legacy of a man who has been a symbol of leadership and stability in Rivers State for decades.

Wike’s disrespect did not end with Odili. He also launched verbal attacks on 97-year-old Chief Edwin Clark, a man regarded as the spiritual and cultural leader of the Niger Delta. Clark’s only “offense” was to caution Wike to allow Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to govern without interference. In response, Wike not only dismissed Clark’s advice but escalated the tension with inflammatory rhetoric, threatening to “set fire” to states governed by allies of Fubara.

These actions reflect a troubling misuse of political power. They reveal a man whose position as a minister under President Tinubu has emboldened him to act in ways that are antithetical to the African tradition of respect for elders and community harmony.

African Values of Respect for Elders

In African societies, elders are far more than senior citizens; they are the keepers of history, tradition, and moral guidance. Their advanced age is seen not as a limitation but as a testament to their endurance, wisdom, and experience. They serve as the backbone of societal stability, offering advice, arbitration, and spiritual leadership. Disrespecting elders, particularly those as prominent as Odili and Clark, disrupts the societal order and undermines the moral compass that binds communities together.

Respect Beyond Perfection

No one claims that Odili or Clark is an angel in politics or governance. Like any leader, they have made decisions that may be criticized. However, African culture teaches that the imperfections of elders do not diminish the respect they are owed. Their age, contributions, and role in preserving societal continuity demand reverence, regardless of personal or political disagreements. For a much younger man like Wike to act in defiance of these values reflects poorly on his character and threatens to erode the very traditions that define African identity.

The Symbolism of Kneeling

Kneeling is one of the most powerful symbols of reconciliation in African culture. It signifies humility, an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and a sincere desire to restore harmony. For Wike, kneeling before Odili and Clark would be a public affirmation of his respect for their status as elders and a reaffirmation of the values that govern African communities. It would be a transformative gesture that transcends politics and speaks to the spiritual essence of African traditions.

The Plea from Wike’s Kinsmen

Recognizing the gravity of Wike’s actions, his kinsmen, led by Barr. Chizy Enyi, have publicly apologized to Odili and pleaded for forgiveness on his behalf. Their appeal acknowledges the harm caused by Wike’s words and actions, describing them as unnecessary, disrespectful, and detrimental to the development of Rivers State. By making this plea, Wike’s kinsmen have upheld the cultural expectation that communities must take collective responsibility for the behavior of their members.

Their appeal also underscores the broader importance of reconciliation, not just for Wike and the elders involved, but for the entire community. It is a reminder that respect for elders is essential for societal harmony and that traditions of humility and accountability must be preserved.

A Leader Rooted in Tradition

As a Yoruba man, President Tinubu has long been a champion of African traditions and cultural values. His 2022 appeal for blessings and cooperation from elders exemplified his understanding of the moral and spiritual importance of respecting seniority. Tinubu’s intervention now would demonstrate his commitment to these principles and set a powerful example for other leaders.

Guiding Wike Toward Accountability

As a minister under Tinubu’s administration, Wike’s actions reflect not only on himself but also on the government he serves. Tinubu bears the responsibility of ensuring that his ministers uphold the highest standards of decorum and respect. By urging Wike to kneel before Odili and Clark, Tinubu would reinforce the message that political power must always be exercised with humility and accountability.

Setting a National Precedent

Tinubu’s intervention would serve as a model for conflict resolution in Nigerian politics. It would highlight the importance of dialogue, humility, and respect in addressing disputes, while reaffirming the centrality of cultural values in governance. Such an action would strengthen the moral framework of Nigerian society and inspire future generations to honor the traditions that define their identity.

Restoring Harmony and Upholding Tradition

Dr. Peter Odili and Chief Edwin Clark, at 76 and 97 years old respectively, are not just individuals but symbols of wisdom, tradition, and leadership. Chief Nyesom Wike’s repeated attacks on these elders highlight a troubling disregard for the values that underpin African societies. No one knows what the coming weeks or months may hold for Wike. What if he loses his current position under President Tinubu? We know he likes to frequent Rivers State, but by abusing elders, fighting the governor, and alienating others, he risks burning bridges at home. If this happens, where does he go? This is why Wike must urgently apologize. President Tinubu, as a custodian of tradition, must step in to guide Wike toward reconciliation through an act of humility: bowing his head and kneeling before Odili and Clark to seek their forgiveness.

This is not merely a political matter but a cultural and spiritual imperative. Respect for elders is a cornerstone of African identity, transcending personal grievances and political differences. This psychologist has no personal relationship to any names mentioned here but is deeply interested in African cultural values. By intervening, Tinubu would reaffirm the importance of tradition, accountability, and unity in leadership. Let this moment serve as a reminder that true greatness lies not in defiance but in reverence for those who paved the way. May we honor the traditions that sustain us and ensure that our leaders embody the values that define our communities.

Wike, on live TV, you declared: “Any day that I ever make Dr. Odili and his family cry, God, don’t allow me to grow.” These words were not just a statement but a solemn vow, a commitment to respect and humility. Yet, your recent actions betray this promise in the most appalling way. While no one denies your contributions to others and the progress of the state, they do not excuse your outright disrespect toward an elder, your disdain for African cultural values, or your brazen defiance of divine principles.

Even more disgraceful is the fact that this insult to Dr. Odili took place during a holy service—a setting meant for worship and reflection, not arrogance and dishonor. Leadership is not measured by achievements alone but by the moral integrity to uphold dignity and sacred traditions. God does not bless those who mock their own vows or desecrate what is holy.

Your actions during the Special Thanksgiving Service at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) have not only dishonored an elder but also cast a shadow on the very values you once claimed to uphold. True leadership demands accountability, humility, and respect—qualities that seem to be glaringly absent here.