A Professor of Communication at the University of Lagos and Head Pastor of Divine Prayer Favour Assembly Ministry, Prof. Ibitayo Popoola, has warned that churches risk losing their moral standing if pastors become involved in partisan political mobilisation.
Popoola also urged religious leaders to pray for peaceful, free and fair elections, while urging churches to discourage political thuggery and prevent youths from being recruited to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He spoke in a sideline interview with our correspondent during the church’s 18th anniversary, held at its headquarters in Mowe, Ogun State, penultimate Sunday.
The cleric said the church had a responsibility to counsel and mentor young people against social vices, including drug abuse, dishonesty and other criminal activities, while encouraging them to develop their talents and contribute to national development.
On the role of religious institutions in the 2027 elections, Popoola said their priority should be to pray for peace and discourage political violence rather than mobilise voters, which he described as the responsibility of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “The role of the church—it shouldn’t be that of mobilising people to vote. That is one way by which the men of God can be drawn into politics. What I believe should be the role of the church is to pray for peaceful, free and fair elections.”
Popoola argued that voter mobilisation should be left to political parties and INEC, which has a department responsible for voter education and enlightenment.
He said involving pastors in political mobilisation could expose them to allegations of receiving money from political parties, warning that religious leaders should protect their integrity.
“Pastors, men of God, they are men of honour, and I want them to remain in that context,” he added.
The cleric called on religious leaders to pray for the emergence of suitable leaders at all levels of government, including state assemblies, governorships, the National Assembly and the Presidency.
He also urged churches to sensitise young people and others vulnerable to political manipulation against being recruited as political thugs.
“It is our responsibility to let the youth and other people who used to participate in violence not allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs. These are some of the things that I believe the church should do,” he stated.
On youth development, Popoola described mentoring as a major responsibility of the church, saying religious leaders should help young people discover their abilities, build confidence and pursue their aspirations.
According to him, churches should establish leadership structures to guide different groups, including youths, men, women and choir members, while providing counselling and spiritual guidance.
Popoola said, “It is the duty of the church; all those vices: smoking, drug pushing, dishonesty, 419, all those bad things, are responsibilities that God raised the church to preach against, to counsel the young people, for them to believe in themselves.”
He added that young people should be encouraged to recognise their potential and use their talents constructively rather than engage in activities that could jeopardise their future.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, also stressed the importance of mentorship, describing Popoola as a father, leader, mentor, guardian and counsellor whose guidance was valuable to young people.
The commissioner said young people needed guidance and experienced mentors to help them navigate life’s challenges and distinguish right from wrong.
Omotosho congratulated the cleric and the congregation, describing the church’s 18-year journey as a demonstration of resilience, courage and perseverance.
He prayed for God to grant Popoola wisdom, good health and strength to continue mentoring young people and contributing to the development of society.
The guest minister, Pastor Olumide Oregbemi, urged parents not to be dissuaded by certain actions of their wards but to pray for them against satanic oppression.
The highlight of the anniversary included a one-minute silence observed in honour of the late communication scholar, Prof. Idowu Shobowale.
Popoola said Shobowale, who inaugurated the church when it began, had also been of support to his career and ministry.