A prominent Fulani group, The Fulani Association for Great Leadership (FAGL), has launched a scathing attack on northern politician Umar Ardo, accusing him of using a recent prophetic message by Primate Elijah Ayodele to gain political relevance.
The controversy erupted after Ardo publicly condemned Ayodele’s counsel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which the prophet warned against appointing northern politicians to sensitive positions, citing potential disloyalty and betrayal.
In a statement signed by its President, Abdullahi Raheem, FAGL described Ardo as a “busybody” for his unsolicited interference in a matter not directed at him.
Raheem invoked a Fulani proverb, “O wiɗi ɗiɗi ɗum jogii, kono ɗum sewti; ngalan nden woni sewtaare,” which he explained describes a person who responds to a statement that was never meant for them.
The association believes this adage perfectly encapsulates the actions of Ardo, whom they labelled a “not-so-popular Adamawa local politician.”
According to the group, Primate Ayodele has a history of offering prophetic warnings to prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
However, they suggest that this specific message struck a nerve with Ardo, possibly due to his own political aspirations.
“Probably because he has been eyeing an appointment from Tinubu too — who knows?” the statement questioned.
Ardo's controversial reaction included accusations of bigotry, labelling Ayodele’s prophecy as “unchristian and hypocritical.”
He was quoted as stating: “Betrayals and failures in leadership have never been a portion of the Fulani people.
“We are a people of honour and excellence! What Ayodele is preaching is simply ethnic bigotry, fulbephobia, and fulbemisia disguised as prophecy.
“For a man of God to single out an ethnic group and brand them as inherently untrustworthy is shameful, hypocritical, and unchristian.”
In a surprising turn, the Fulani group came to Primate Ayodele’s defence, portraying him as a figure of remarkable religious tolerance and hospitality.
FAGL challenged Ardo to identify any other Christian leader in Nigeria who has built a mosque with their funds, a feat they credit to Ayodele.
They also highlighted the prophet’s close relationship with the Sultan of Sokoto and his consistent support for the Muslim community, including providing food and financial aid to Muslims, including Fulani communities, during Ramadan.
“Can he name any Christian leader who provides food and cash support to Muslims during Ramadan? The only one doing so is Primate Ayodele,” the statement declared.
The group questioned how a man who invites Muslims to his annual Thanksgiving events and even sponsors some to Mecca could be credibly accused of ethnic bigotry.
FAGL dismissed Ardo’s actions as a desperate attempt to gain media attention and leverage Primate Ayodele's name for political gain, stating that his stance “doesn't represent the North.”
The group suggested that Ardo, whose highest political role was Special Adviser to a Vice President from 1999 to 2006, is seeking to remain relevant following a string of failed attempts to become the governor of Adamawa State.
“At 64, it’s unlikely any government would consider him for a new role. This is why he’s desperate to stay relevant," the statement read.
The association advised Ardo to learn from successful politicians who understand the importance of heeding wise counsel like that offered by Primate Ayodele.
The group concluded by stating that Primate Ayodele would not dignify Ardo with a personal response.
“But as northerners who follow the prophet regularly, we say it loud and clear: Umar Ardo is wrong and should be the one apologising for being an ungrateful Fulani.”
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