LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian singer Akande Abolore Adegbola, popularly known as 9ice, has questioned the impact of religion in Nigeria, arguing that prayers have not led to real progress despite widespread devotion.
Speaking at a recent event featured by GoldMyne TV, the “Party Rider” crooner expressed frustration over what he sees as over-reliance on religion in the country. He stated that for years, Nigerians have been urged to pray through economic hardship and insecurity, yet that approach has neither delivered results nor stabilized the country’s economy.
9ice criticized the strong attachment to Christianity and Islam, describing them as foreign religions. He also questioned how much time people devote to worship instead of focusing on productivity, especially compared to individuals in developed countries who are less religious.
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In his words, “You will leave Nigeria and go to Mecca to go and 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. 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 their time in church in the name of weekly services. They pray over everything, including things to should fix themselves.”
Furthermore, the singer revealed that his personal beliefs differ from the mainstream. He described himself as a traditionalist and shared that he has quietly practised as a Babalawo for nearly two decades.
“I’ve been a Babalawo for more than 18 years, but I hide it,” he said.
In addition, 9ice had earlier shared details about what led him to embrace traditional spirituality. During a 2025 interview with Nancy Isime, he said he turned to an Ifa priest after suffering severe spiritual attacks that affected his health for months. According to him, the experience changed his life and strengthened his beliefs in traditional divination.
