By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS — The Anglican Diocese of Badagry has issued a strong warning to Nigeria's political class and security agencies ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The church is calling for immediate constitutional reforms, including the legalization of state police and tighter security around schools, to address the country's worsening economic and security challenges.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, May 18, 2026, ahead of the first session of the Eighth Synod of the Diocese, the Diocesan Bishop, **Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi, voiced deep concern over nationwide instability, rampant food inflation, and the vulnerability of educational institutions.
This particular assembly marks a significant milestone for the diocese, serving as Bishop Adeyemi’s valedictory Synod before his official retirement on January 14, 2027. Under the theme "Gratitude" inspired by the biblical account in Luke 17:11-19 the Bishop expressed appreciation for the diocese's growth over its 21-year history despite early financial hurdles.
Addressing the state of the nation, Bishop Adeyemi strongly condemned the recent abductions of school children in parts of Oyo and Borno states. He warned that targeting schools directly threatens the fabric of basic education and will inevitably worsen Nigeria's already high out-of-school child population.
“The bandits and terrorists behave as if they have no children," Bishop Adeyemi stated. "Education is the best legacy one can give to a child. Parents cannot continue to send their children to school when they are unsure of their safety. It is a wake-up call to protect our primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions with every means available.”
To combat this, the Diocese renewed its advocacy for decentralized law enforcement. Adeyemi urged the National Assembly to fast-track the state police bill, arguing that existing regional and local apparatuses—such as the Amotekun corps and various neighborhood watch groups are already equipped to form the foundation of localized policing. He noted that the centralized Nigeria Police Force can no longer effectively secure the entire country without active state and local government collaboration.
Turning to the high cost of living, the Bishop linked the country's economic struggles to global energy tensions and flawed internal policies. He urged the Federal Government to cushion the effects of subsidy removals by giving undivided attention to agriculture and shielding food-producing communities from terrorist attacks.
Furthermore, he advised the government to take a pragmatic approach to the country's petroleum issues by actively supplying domestic crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira.
“If the government will not subsidise fuel, then attention must be turned to agriculture and protecting food-producing communities,” the cleric noted.
With political maneuvers already picking up speed ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Anglican Diocese called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and security agencies to maintain total neutrality.
The Bishop specifically warned young Nigerians against being used as instruments of political violence by desperate power brokers.
“Our youths should not allow themselves to be used by politicians who have sent their own children abroad for education," Adeyemi cautioned, adding firmly that "no politician is worth dying for.”
Reflecting on his leadership, Bishop Adeyemi praised the infrastructural and spiritual expansion of the Badagry Diocese, which has successfully grown its churches, clergy strength, schools, and built a dedicated conference center.
He also commended the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, for driving local development, specifically pointing to the face-lift around the Badagry roundabout and ongoing advocacy for the completion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.