Nigeria Needs Healing Through Justice and Integrity, Says Archbishop Abegunrin

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, has called for urgent action against insecurity, corruption, religious intolerance and poverty, saying Nigeria’s healing requires both prayer and changes in public and private conduct.

Abegunrin spoke in Ibadan on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Mass for Catholic lawyers marking the opening of the new legal year and the conclusion of the National Catholic Catechetical Week.

He also identified declining trust in institutions and the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of the common good as concerns requiring attention.

“As we pray for peace, we must become instruments of peace. As we pray for justice, we must practice justice. As we condemn corruption, we must refuse to participate in corruption,” he said.

“As we ask God to unite Nigeria, we must refuse to spread hatred and division.”

The archbishop expressed gratitude for the reported release of 20 corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State on October 1, saying the episode underscored the country’s need for healing.

Justice Must Serve Everyone

Addressing the lawyers’ theme, “Faith, Justice and National Cohesion: The Legal Profession as an Instrument of Peace”, Abegunrin warned that lasting peace was difficult where citizens believed the law served only wealthy and influential people.

“A country cannot enjoy genuine national cohesion if people believe that justice depends on who you know, how much you have, or what position you occupy,” he said.

He urged Catholic lawyers to allow their faith to shape their professional decisions, including the cases they accepted, the advice they offered and their treatment of clients, witnesses and colleagues.

“Your faith must not end when you leave the church after Mass. It must accompany you into your chambers, offices, courtrooms, professional associations, and private dealings,” he said.

“As a lawyer, you do not merely interpret laws; you participate in the ordering of society. Therefore, do so with integrity and a passion for the truth.”

Diversity Should Strengthen Nigeria

Reflecting on the biblical image of a banquet prepared for all peoples, Abegunrin said Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity should enrich the country rather than divide it.

He linked that message to the Catechetical Week theme, “You shall have no other gods besides me”, cautioning against allowing wealth, power or professional status to become overriding priorities.

“Some people have made money, power, political influence, social status, and professional success become their god,” he said.

“These things are not always bad in themselves, but when we make them ultimate in our lives, we defy God.”

The archbishop said religious identity and attendance at Mass were insufficient without righteousness, charity and integrity in everyday life.

He encouraged lawyers to remain steadfast when ethical conduct carried a personal or professional cost, drawing on St Paul’s words about finding strength in Christ.

Abegunrin concluded with prayers for legal practitioners, those responsible for administering justice, and a Nigeria marked by fairness, unity and peace.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.