The Ekiti Council of Elders has called for calm amid US President Donald Trump's designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged genocide against Christians. They dismissed the threats of sanctions and military deployment, attributing the move to economic motives. The elders expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu's diplomatic handling of the issue.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2025, the Ekiti Council of Elders urged Nigerians not to worry about President Donald Trump's recent actions against the country. Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) on October 31, 2025, citing severe violations of religious freedom, including the persecution and killing of Christians. He stated, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” This could lead to sanctions or other measures, including possible US force deployment.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti to announce the Joel Babatola Annual Lecture, the council's Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Olufemi Adewumi, a retired Head of Service in Ekiti, downplayed the significance. “When this same President Trump was President of the USA, he designated this country as a Country of Particular Concern. It is not ordinary; there is more to it than meets the eye. I believe that the reason behind what is happening now has economic reasons behind it,” Adewumi said.
The elders emphasized Nigeria's resources to resolve the matter swiftly. “We note that Nigeria has the human resources to manage a crisis of this nature. We are confident that in a matter of days the whole crisis will just disappear. I believe that the President, Bola Tinubu, has the capacity to tackle this. Ordinarily, we should not be worried. As far as we are concerned, it is nothing to lose any sleep over,” he added.
The briefing also highlighted the upcoming annual lecture, themed “Governance, Structural Reforms and Economic Landscape of Nigeria in the 21st Century.” It honors Chief Joel Babatola, a pioneer of the council who served as Parliamentary Secretary to Chief Awolowo in the 1950s and died at 96. Guest lecturer will be Chief Bisi Akande, former Osun State Governor, with dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji; and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.
The event aims to foster intellectual discourse on Nigeria's challenges and promote Yoruba patriotism.