Electing Pope Isn’t ‘Emilokan’ Affair – Bishop Kukah

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has stressed that the selection of a Pope is driven by divine guidance, not by political claims or regional factors.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, soon after returning from the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Bishop Kukah shared insights on the importance of the papal ceremony, the role of religious figures, and the ethical duties of African leaders.

Kukah, who also attended the funeral of Pope Francis, underscored the Vatican’s lasting role as a global center for moral diplomacy.

“Every square inch of that territory is a space for negotiation at the highest level,” he said, recalling instances of world leaders engaging in discreet discussions during papal events.

The inauguration of a Pope, he noted, captures global focus, not only for its religious significance but also due to the Vatican’s authority as a moral guide.

He described President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at the inauguration as a historic milestone, marking the first time a sitting Nigerian President participated in such an event. While former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral, Kukah emphasized that the recent interaction, where President Tinubu conversed with Pope Leo XIV, held symbolic weight, particularly given their shared ties to Chicago.

Addressing calls for an African Pope, Kukah rejected such notions as misplaced. “Let’s win the World Cup first,” he quipped, clarifying that the papal election is not a rotational system. “It’s not an ‘Emilokan’ scenario,” he said, referencing the Yoruba phrase meaning “It’s my turn,” popularized in Nigerian political discourse. Kukah explained that the process transcends human scheming and lobbying, affirming that the Holy Spirit ultimately shapes the outcome. With 133 cardinals voting, many unacquainted with one another, he noted that the process lacks political maneuvering or manifesto-driven goals.

While some see the Pope’s global influence as a chance for Africa to gain international support, Kukah offered a frank perspective. “Nigeria is not Sudan, we’re not Gaza… we are a heck of a country with massive resources,” he said. He argued that Africa’s progress hinges not on the Pope but on the integrity and capability of its leaders. Recalling Pope Francis’s 2023 visit to Congo, Kukah noted his call for the international community to stop interfering in Africa — a stance reflecting the Pope’s moral position rather than political involvement.

He also debunked the idea of a regionally biased Pope, stating, “There’s nothing like an African Pope. You can have a Pope who is African, but not an African Pope.” He clarified that once elected, a Pope’s identity becomes universal, detached from personal or regional affiliations. Citing past Popes, he stressed that the role demands total commitment to the global Church, not to familial or regional ties.

Kukah explored the intricate interplay between religion and politics in Nigeria, cautioning against the politicization of religious and traditional institutions. He traced ongoing tensions in Northern Nigeria to the fall of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1903, noting that colonial restructuring diminished traditional rulers’ authority, with lingering effects today.

While Islam historically aimed to establish a theocracy, Christianity, KukaElecting Pope Isn’t ‘Emilokan’ Affair – Bishop Kukah argued, fostered a liberal perspective where individuals could flourish. Yet, Nigeria’s political system has failed to clearly separate religion and state. Section 10 of the Constitution, which bars states from adopting a religion, remains largely unenforced in practice, he said, describing the balance between religion and governance as “very delicate.”

Kukah cautioned against projecting religious or ethnic expectations onto leadership. “We Africans like to make this projection: the President is from my town, therefore it’s our turn,” he said. Instead, he urged African leaders to prioritize governance that unites all citizens under a unified legal framework. “Islam can be a source of law, Christian values can be a source of law, and African traditional rights can be a source of law. But all of us must become citizens under one law.”

Discussing the role of traditional rulers in modern governance, Kukah referenced a book by INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu that examines the evolving relationship between traditional rulers and politicians. He lamented that traditional institutions, once exploited by colonial powers for administrative control, remain vulnerable to political manipulation in modern Nigeria. “The modern Nigerian state has not improved on that relationship,” he said.

He also distinguished between religious and traditional leadership. While traditional rulers hold cultural influence, they are not inherently spiritual leaders. “A bishop must produce a certificate of theological training. A traditional ruler needs only the goodwill of the governor,” he said, highlighting the politically driven appointment and removal of traditional rulers as problematic.

Kukah concluded by warning against further entangling traditional institutions in national politics. He pointed to the rising number of legal disputes involving traditional authorities in countries like Ghana and called for careful reflection before pursuing constitutional changes that could disrupt Nigeria’s already fragile balance of diverse governance structures.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli