Prominent Nigerian cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has spoken out in defense of freedom of expression, emphasizing that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to speak their truth without fear of intimidation or arrest.
Addressing the growing concerns around the arrest of outspoken activist and social media critic VeryDarkMan, the spiritual leader highlighted Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to free speech.
“Everyone has a right to their voice. In the Nigerian Constitution, Section 39 guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference,” Primate Ayodele stated.
His comment comes at a time when debates over censorship, political intimidation, and the abuse of legal institutions are intensifying in the country. Many see the recent wave of arrests and detentions of online critics and whistleblowers as a dangerous trend.
Primate Ayodele urged government institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Police Force, to act within the framework of the law and uphold democratic values.
“The strength of democracy lies not in suppressing voices, but in listening to them even when they are uncomfortable,” he said.
The cleric’s stance has been applauded by several civil society groups and activists who argue that citizens, especially young Nigerians, should be encouraged not punished for participating in national discourse.
Calls for the release of VeryDarkMan continue to trend across platforms, as public figures, religious leaders, and human rights organizations rally behind the detained activist.
