Values-Based Governance: Islamic Scholar Urges Nigerian Politicians to Embrace Prophetic Teachings

 

​As Nigeria navigates complex socio-political challenges, a prominent Islamic scholar has called on political leaders across the country to return to the foundational principles of leadership found in religious history. On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Shuaeb Adegbite delivered a compelling message urging politicians to adopt "prophetic teachings" as a vital framework for achieving sustainable development and good governance.

​Speaking during a Ramadan Iftar event in Imeko-Afon, Ogun State, organized by the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the cleric emphasized that politics should not be a pursuit of personal gain, but a sacred instrument for promoting justice, peace, and the collective welfare of the people.

​The Prophetic Model: Accountability, Compassion, and Fairness

​Central to the cleric’s address was the leadership style of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which he described as the gold standard for public service. Adegbite argued that the core virtues exemplified by the Prophet—specifically accountability, compassion, and fairness—are the "missing ingredients" in the contemporary Nigerian political landscape.

• ​Accountability: The understanding that every leader is a steward who will eventually answer for their actions, both to the electorate and to a higher power.
• ​Compassion: A leadership style that prioritizes the needs of the vulnerable and marginalized over the comforts of the elite.
• ​Fairness: Ensuring that justice is administered without bias, regardless of ethnic, religious, or partisan affiliations.

​According to Adegbite, when these values are integrated into the corridors of power, the result is a "people-oriented" government that naturally resists the temptations of corruption and self-interest.

​A Warning Against Corruption and Exclusion

​The cleric did not mince words when addressing the barriers to progress in the country. He cautioned that an environment characterized by corruption, perpetual conflict, and narrow partisan goals cannot support genuine growth. He stressed that Nigeria's persistent issues—ranging from economic hardship to social insecurity—require a shift toward values-based strategies.

​Adegbite highlighted that "meaningful development will remain elusive" as long as leaders prioritize their political agendas over the public good. He advocated for a move toward openness and transparency, arguing that policies born from broad consultation and extensive engagement are far more likely to yield long-term success than those decided in isolation.

​Inclusive Leadership: Listening to the Marginalized

​A significant portion of the lecture focused on the necessity of inclusive governance. The cleric pointed out that effective leadership requires active listening to all facets of society, particularly those whose voices are often drowned out in the political fray.

​"Listening to all facets of society, especially marginalized groups, is essential to good leadership," Adegbite stated. He noted that inclusive governance fosters trust between the government and the governed, creating a cohesive society where every citizen feels they have a stake in the nation’s progress. He further called for deeper cooperation between the government, religious organizations, and traditional institutions to enhance the reach and efficacy of public policies.

​The Youth as Agents of Moral Change

​Turning his attention to the next generation, Shuaeb Adegbite encouraged Nigerian youths to take an active interest in the political process. However, he offered a stern caveat: they must participate with honesty and a clear sense of purpose.

​He urged the youth to become "agents of constructive change" driven by moral convictions rather than the desire for quick wealth or power. By entering politics with an ethically grounded mindset, the scholar believes the youth can begin to dismantle the legacy of corruption and build a new era of governance rooted in integrity.

​Seeking Divine Guidance for Effective Leadership

​In his welcome address, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka explained that the gathering was more than just a memorial for his parents; it was a platform to seek divine guidance for the state and the nation. He echoed the cleric’s sentiments, noting that incorporating moral and spiritual ideals into leadership could serve as a powerful tool for resolving enduring societal issues.

​As the 2027 electoral cycle begins to loom on the horizon, the call for a "spiritual renewal" in Nigerian politics serves as a timely reminder that the quality of a nation's governance is inextricably linked to the character of its leaders.

​Conclusion: Beyond the Pulpit and the Ballot Box

​The message from Imeko-Afon is clear: the solution to Nigeria’s multifaceted problems lies not just in economic theories or legislative reforms, but in a fundamental return to the values of service and sacrifice. By embracing the prophetic teachings of accountability and compassion, Nigeria’s political class has the opportunity to transform the nation into a beacon of justice and prosperity for all.