The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for stronger collaboration between traditional rulers and religious institutions to address Nigeria’s security, social and economic challenges.
The bishops made the call during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where they also urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Led by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the delegation said religious and traditional institutions had important roles to play in promoting peaceful coexistence, protecting young people, strengthening families and tackling violence and criminality.
Ndagoso described Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba culture and said the Ooni’s throne remained an important symbol of the history, identity and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
He also commended the Ooni for his efforts towards peace, national unity, youth development and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The Catholic leader said the country’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty, corruption, unemployment and ethnic and religious divisions, could only be addressed through collective efforts involving government, traditional rulers, religious bodies and citizens.
On the 2027 elections, Ndagoso called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying and demanded transparent, free, fair and credible elections.
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi praised the Catholic Church for its discipline, organisation and longstanding contributions to humanity.
The monarch said the visit was particularly significant because of Ile-Ife’s historical importance, while expressing appreciation for the Catholic Church’s advocacy, prayers and contributions to societal development.
The CBCN delegation included Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke; Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty; Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Ojeleke Abegunrin; Bishop of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola; and Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah.
The bishops are currently in Osun State for the CBCN’s Second Plenary Assembly, being held from September 10 to 18, 2026, at the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo.
