Veteran musician 9ice has ignited fresh controversy with a blunt assessment of religion’s role in underdevelopment, arguing that decades of Christian and Islamic devotion have done nothing to improve the country’s fortunes — and that Nigerians would be better served by going to work than going to church.
Speaking at a recent event covered by Gold Myne TV, the Gongo Aso crooner criticised Nigerians who practise Christianity and Islam, arguing that constant prayers have not advanced the nation amid its persistent security and economic challenges.
His remarks were direct and unsparing.
“You will leave Nigeria and go to Mecca to lick rock all in the name of Kabba. Ever since you have been calling on Allah and Jesus, this country hasn’t gotten any better,” the singer said.
London vs Lagos: A Study in Contrasts
9ice compared Nigeria to the United Kingdom, where people are less religious but enjoy greater prosperity, describing the contrast as proof that prayer is not a substitute for practical action.
“If you go to London, nobody goes to church there yet they are better than Nigeria. They go to work on Sundays, but Nigerians go to church. A lot of Nigerians spend most of their time in church in the name of weekly services,” he said.
He further argued that Nigerians had developed a habit of praying over problems they should resolve themselves, adding: “They pray over everything, including things they should fix themselves.”
A Traditionalist Who Found Ifa
The remarks carry added weight given 9ice’s own well-documented religious journey. The singer, known for hits like Gongo Asa, revealed in an August 2025 interview with Nancy Isime that he became a traditionalist after being healed by an Ifa priest from a six-month spiritual ailment.
He had reportedly been vomiting blood for six months before turning to traditional religion following what he described as a spiritual attack, and has since identified publicly as a self-proclaimed heathen.
His personal departure from mainstream religion appears to have sharpened his critique of Nigeria’s religious culture — one he now views as a national liability rather than a source of strength.
The comments have triggered significant reactions online, with Nigerians divided between those who agree that religious fervour has replaced civic responsibility, and those who view the remarks as an attack on deeply held faith traditions in one of the world’s most religious countries.
9ice has not issued any follow-up statement as of the time of this report.
