Those pushing for constitutional entrenchment of religion are nothing but anarchists disguised as scholars.

By Chief Olawale Ojoge-Daniel BSc (Politics, Philosophy & Economics), LLB (Hons), BL Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria | Public Affairs Analyst

While corruption, insecurity, and institutional collapse dominate the daily reality of millions, the national conversation has been hijacked by a dangerous distraction: religious agitation.

In a scathing critique of the current political climate, Chief Olawale Ojoge-Daniel warns that the relentless pursuit of “Islamization”—or any form of religious supremacy—is not a path to piety, but a direct invitation to religious war and deepened poverty.

“The primary duty of government is to govern—religion is secondary, not a blueprint for statecraft.”

The statistics are grim. Since 2015, over 150,000 Nigerians have been killed or displaced due to insecurity. Yet, headlines remain dominated by debates on Shariah entrenchment and religious rights.

“Nigeria’s crises are institutional, not spiritual,” Ojoge-Daniel asserts. “This obsession is dangerously irrelevant. What has religion got to do with good governance?”

The feature argues that history provides a blunt verdict on nations that fuse faith with state power. The results are not prosperity, but domination:

• Iran: After 45 years of Islamic theocracy, the result is economic stagnation, sanctions, and a massive brain drain.
• Iraq: Religious governance fractured the state, leading to sectarian violence and national paralysis.
• Yemen & Afghanistan: Religious dominance destroyed democracy, turning citizens into subjects and sanctifying violence.

“Where religion rules the state, citizens become subjects; rights vanish; poverty and violence rise.”

The article labels proponents of constitutional religious entrenchment as “anarchists disguised as Islamic scholars.” It notes that the World Bank reports countries with theocratic legal systems often score 30-50% lower in human development indices than secular democracies.

“Religion does not build roads, schools, or hospitals,” Ojoge-Daniel writes. “Faith inspires morality, but institutions deliver progress.”

The piece highlights a critical contradiction. Freedom of worship already exists. Religious courts already exist for personal matters. Therefore, the demand for constitutional religious supremacy is not about freedom—it is about dominance.

The real tragedy, the author argues, lies in the parts of the Constitution that are ignored:

• Chapter II: Promises security and welfare but makes them “non-justiciable” (unenforceable).
• Section 6(6)(c): Protects the state from accountability regarding these promises.

“While Nigerians cry about faith, billions are stolen from public coffers under God’s watch.”

Invoking the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the article reminds readers that true leaders champion free education, universal healthcare, and welfare-driven governance—not religious supremacy. “You cannot feed a nation with prayers; you feed it with policies.”

The feature concludes with a stark warning: The hue and cry about Islamization is a diversion from the nation’s survival. Nigeria needs enforceable rights and accountable leadership, not more religion in its laws.

“The only divine intervention Nigeria needs is good governance, enforced by the state, not by sermons.”

About the Author Chief Olawale Ojoge-Daniel is the CEO of the Ojoge-Daniel Foundation for Human Rights and Conflict Mediation (JAFETO-Centre). A Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, he is a vocal advocate for good governance and the rule of law.