A Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has ignited a flurry of public debate following remarks by which he claimed that concern is the basis downside of the Yoruba race.
Talking throughout a sermon at his church, Idowu described concern as a crippling trait that has held many Yoruba individuals again from attaining greatness.
“There’s a downside with the Yoruba race. Even those which are 48 years outdated. There’s a downside together with your race, and it’s known as concern. Life bows for the brave. Life works in opposition to the fearful,” the pastor declared throughout his message.
Pastor Idowu drew a distinction with the Igbo ethnic group, commending them for what he described as their fearlessness and global presence.
“That’s the reason I really like the Igbos. They’re fearless. There isn’t a nation on this world the place you’ll not see an Igbo man,” he said.
He additional urged the congregation, significantly the youth, to reject the spirit of concern and embrace braveness as a way to interrupt limitations and rise in life.
“No one can do something important in life due to concern. One of many causes individuals by no means emerge or go ahead is due to concern, and concern will result in self-doubt. You’d start to doubt your self,” he stated.
Delivering the message with a tone of urgency, he added: “I’m saying it to you now as a result of when you’re younger, you possibly can conquer it.”
“There’s a downside with the Yoruba race”-Pastor Bolaji Idowu (Founder Of Harvesters Worldwide Christian Centre).
That is shameful. That is disrespectful.
The nigerian pulpit has now been changed into an enviornment for disgusting intertribal home sports activities.
pic.twitter.com/f0xEWPtT0B— #OurFavOnlineDoc 🩺 🇬🇧 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) June 29, 2025
Netizens react
Idowu’s message, initially shared on his official TikTok web page, sparked intense debate on X (previously Twitter), with many Nigerians accusing him of promoting ethnic stereotypes from the pulpit.
“That is shameful. That is disrespectful. The Nigerian pulpit has now been changed into an enviornment for disgusting intertribal home sports activities,” wrote @OurFavOnlineDoc.
One other person, @drpepple_ lamented, “Some phrases shouldn’t come out of the pulpit.”
Nonetheless, others urged for a broader context, together with @ammielv, who stated, “He was discussing making exploits and being fearless and the way some issues stated within the Yoruba tradition can generally discourage that… Don’t be twisting and amplifying hate.”
However @OurFavOnlineDoc pushed again strongly, questioning why the clip was shared by the pastor himself.
“He actually stated ‘there’s a downside with the Yoruba race’ and known as us a race of cowards. There may be NO context the place such an announcement is correct or factual,” the person wrote in a prolonged response.
Commentators additionally highlighted the variety and excellence discovered throughout Nigerian ethnicities. Tobi Adekunle reminded the general public that “there are tons of Yoruba and different tribes doing nice issues residence and overseas,” including, “Worry’s received nothing to do together with your race or ethnic background.”
Others known as for unity and understanding. @2tolu famous: “We will all admire one another’s journey with out resorting to pointless criticism simply to make some extent. One love.”
Nonetheless, customers like @Inno4Chi criticised the continued framing of nationwide discourse round solely three or 4 main ethnic teams.
“We have now over 250 ethnic teams and over 400 languages,” he stated, describing such generalisations as shallow.
As reactions proceed to pour in, Pastor Idowu has but to difficulty any clarification or apology.
The controversy has reignited conversations about accountable speech, tribal unity, and the function of the pulpit in shaping Nigeria’s cultural dialogue.
