Veteran Nigerian singer Abolore Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice has triggered widespread reactions after openly criticising the country’s heavy emphasis on religious activities. In a viral video clip that surfaced on social media, the artist questioned whether constant prayer and worship are truly helping Nigeria move forward or simply taking time away from practical work.
9ice did not hold back as he addressed the issue head on.
“You’ll leave Nigeria and go to Mecca to go and lick rock all in the name of Kabba, ever since you’ve been calling on Allah and Jesus, this country hasn’t gotten any better.”
He pointed to Nigeria’s abundant natural resources as further proof that something is wrong with the current approach.
“We have crude oil, we have everything we need, yet we are backwards.”
Drawing a direct comparison with life in developed countries, 9ice used London as an example to drive his point home.
“If you go to London, nobody goes to church there. They only go to their place of work. You go to church on Sunday, bible study on Wednesday, vigil on Friday; when would you work? You don’t have a job but you are constantly going to church.”
The comments have split opinions online. While some praised 9ice for speaking what they see as a hard truth about misplaced priorities, others accused him of disrespecting faith and suggested his own career struggles might be influencing his views. Supporters argue that the singer is simply calling for balance between spiritual life and hard work, especially at a time when many Nigerians prioritize multiple church programmes and pilgrimages over daily hustle.
Known for his socially conscious lyrics since hits like “Gongo Aso” in the mid-2000s, 9ice has never shied away from controversial topics (especially religious ones). His latest remarks come at a moment when conversations about national development and the role of religion continue to dominate public discourse.