“Nigeria’s “Emilokan” narrative that highlights local leadership and succession influenced by regional factors is irrelevant in the context of the papal election. Electing a Pope is governed by a distinct set of traditions and regulations within the Catholic Church, emphasizing the collective decision-making of the cardinals rather than any regional or national sentiments. This distinction highlights the universal nature of the papal election, prioritizing the spiritual and administrative needs of the global Catholic community over localized political dynamics. Thus, leadership within the Catholic Church is discerned rather than demanded; authority is entrusted instead of claimed, and the call to lead is viewed as a service rather than a reward for past accomplishments.”
The recent papal election, which concluded with the selection of Pope Leo XIV, has generated significant discussion and intrigue, captivating not only devout Catholics but also individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. While the newly elected Pope has officially embraced his role and responsibilities, a notable segment of Africans remains dissatisfied with the choice made by the conclave. This discontent primarily stems from the fact that an African candidate was not chosen as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Many argue that this oversight reflects a missed opportunity to address Africa’s growing influence and importance within the global Church, leading to bitterness and disappointment among those who had hoped for a representative whose background resonated with the diverse demographics of the faithful. Others even voiced their frustrations, claiming that Africa had been “overlooked” during this significant moment for the Church. This sentiment raises essential questions about our shared mindset and its implications for leadership within the Catholic Church. It prompts us to consider why we adopt the “Emilokan mentality” in church governance. At first, I felt hesitant to engage in discussions concerning the possibility of an African Pope, mainly due to the sensitive nature of the topic and the diverse reactions it often elicits. However, given the ongoing prominence of this conversation across various circles, I am compelled to share my thoughts.
The “Emilokan” mentality—a term rooted in the Yoruba language that translates to “It is my turn”—emerged prominently in Nigeria’s national political discourse during the contentious 2023 presidential election. This phrase was notably popularized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who utilized it as a rallying cry throughout his campaign. Initially, “Emilokan” was framed as a straightforward assertion of individual political ambition, signaling Tinubu’s claim to the presidency based on his extensive history and contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape. As the campaign progressed, however, the meaning of “Emilokan” grew more complex. It evolved into a broader symbol of entitlement-driven leadership and a manifestation of the zero-sum nature of politics in Nigeria. Proponents of Tinubu interpreted the phrase as a justification for his candidacy, suggesting that his decades of political investment and influence uniquely positioned him to assume the highest office in the land. This perspective fostered a sense of ownership among his supporters, who viewed the presidency as a political goal and a personal right earned through years of loyalty and dedication to the party and the nation.
The implications of the “Emilokan” mentality extend well beyond the immediate context of the 2023 election cycle; they have also permeated discussions regarding the leadership of the Catholic Church, particularly in the context of the potential election of an African Pope. This perspective raises significant questions about the motivations and expectations of those who view the papal office as a symbol of prestige rather than a position of servant leadership and pastoral care. Electing a pope is a complex ceremony rich in centuries-old traditions and rituals, starkly contrasting the contemporary socio-political mindset often referred to as the “Emilokan” mentality. Papal elections occur within a solemn assembly known as the conclave, where cardinals from around the world gather to engage in prayer, discussion, and deliberation, all with the singular aim of selecting the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This esteemed process is characterized by formal protocols intended to imbue each step with spiritual significance. The cardinals, regarded as representatives of the global Church, engage in deliberate reflection, drawing upon their collective wisdom and experience. Throughout the conclave, there is a strong emphasis on spiritual discernment, with each cardinal approaching the decision with humility and a profound sense of responsibility. They firmly believe that the Holy Spirit actively guides their choices, assisting them in identifying the individual best suited to lead the Church through the complexities and challenges of the modern world.
In contrast to many contemporary leadership selections, which often hinge on factors such as seniority, prior service, or entitlement, electing a pope stands out as refreshingly unique. It focuses on a deep spiritual mission rather than political maneuvering. The primary aim is to honor the rich traditions of the Church while remaining sensitive to the needs of its followers across various cultures and contexts. Essentially, the conclave seeks a leader whose vision resonates with the Church’s core spiritual mission, fostering unity and guiding the faithful through a dynamic and tumultuous global landscape. In the election of a new Pope, the Catholic Church exemplifies a deep understanding of vocation rather than entitlement. This distinction underscores that leadership within the Church is seen not merely as an opportunity to attain a position or flaunt status but as a sacred calling to serve both the faithful and the wider community. The election process is intentionally structured to rise above political divisions and representational biases, with no predetermined regions or rotations informed by geography. Popes can be chosen from any nation or region worldwide based on a profound spiritual readiness and pastoral capability rather than regional affiliations or political factors. This method cultivates an environment where anonymity and surprise can thrive. Historically, many popes, including Pope Francis, were not considered leading candidates or frontrunners by observers at the time of their selection. This unpredictability serves as a testament to the dynamic and Spirit-led nature of the process, ultimately allowing divine inspiration to guide the decision in ways that can surprise even the most experienced theologians and church officials.
To be completely transparent, it is essential to maintain a clear distinction between “Emilokan” narratives and the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. The papacy is fundamentally a spiritual leadership role, not a political office in the traditional sense. The Catholic Church transcends geographic and racial boundaries; it is a universal entity that brings believers from diverse backgrounds and cultures together. When the College of Cardinals convenes for their deliberations and prayers, their primary objective is to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their focus is not on advancing regional interests or personal ambitions but rather on faithfully and diligently carrying out the mission of Christ, which is to spread the Gospel and serve the broader community of believers worldwide. This profound commitment underscores the unity and purpose the Church strives to embody, reinforcing its role as a beacon of faith rather than a platform for political maneuvering.
This time, we are blessed with the election of an American as our Holy Father: Pope Leo XIV. His appointment marks a significant moment in the papacy’s history, as his roots lie deeply embedded in the Augustinian tradition, which emphasizes community, education, and a commitment to social justice. The beauty of the pope’s election resides in the remarkable diversity of those who celebrated the decision, a moment that transcended racial and cultural boundaries. Individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life came together, collectively setting aside their interests and agendas. This shared enthusiasm represented a profound commitment to unity, demonstrating that the election was not solely shaped by any demographic group, including whites, but reflected a broader global participation. In this context, Africa can glean valuable insights from this event. The pope’s election underscores the significance of solidarity and collaboration among diverse communities, illustrating how a common purpose can cultivate relationships that transcend divisions. This moment invites a reflection on how the continent can strengthen its pursuits of unity amid its rich diversity.
Pope Leo XIV has a notable connection to Nigeria stemming from his previous position as the General of the Order of St. Augustine. In 2016, during his tenure, he had the remarkable opportunity to visit Nigeria for the General Chapter of the Order held in Abuja. This significant event was awe-inspiring as it was the first time the Augustinian General Chapter convened on the African continent, underscoring the Order’s growing influence and acknowledgment across diverse cultures. During his visit, Pope Leo XIV engaged deeply with both the Augustinian community and the wider Catholic faithful in Nigeria. His interactions were marked by warmth as he took the time to connect with local priests, religious leaders, and laypeople, fostering a spirit of unity and encouragement. While the specifics of Pope Leo XIV’s (Robert Francis Prevost) visits to Nigeria as the Superior General of the Augustinian Fathers are not thoroughly documented, it is known that he visited Jos in Plateau State. His visits were likely aimed at reinforcing connections with the local Augustinian community and promoting their missionary efforts. The Pope’s visit to Nigeria exemplified his profound appreciation for the local culture and faith community. It also highlighted his dedication to a global pastoral mission, demonstrating how local experiences can enhance the universal Church. His previous engagements with Nigeria laid a solid foundation for his papacy, signaling a commitment to fostering relationships within Catholic communities worldwide and reaffirming Nigeria’s significant role in the global Catholic Church. I don’t understand why critics who are not even Catholics are so vocal about the choice of this Pope.
This choice of an American Pope reflects the Church’s diversity and global nature, reminding us that leadership can arise from various backgrounds. In the future, we may witness the selection of a pope from another continent, potentially even someone from Africa or Asia, showing the Church’s continued openness to different perspectives and experiences. As we embrace Pope Leo XIV, let us approach this new chapter with joy, trust in his leadership, and fervent prayers from the faithful worldwide, asking for wisdom and guidance for him in his mission to shepherd the Church. Africa continues to exemplify a dynamic and deep commitment to faith. We are devoted to serving our communities, embodying our values, and nurturing growth in both Spirit and practice. However, it is essential to recognize that leadership within the Church should not be seen merely as a matter of whose “turn” it is to lead. Genuine leadership involves acknowledging and responding to the unique calling of the Spirit for specific moments and missions in our history. We must protect ourselves against disillusionment and the widespread “Emilokan” mentality that can skew our perception of leadership. This mindset often portrays leadership as a reward—something to be seized—rather than as a profound responsibility and trust that must be cultivated through service and humility. By adopting this perspective, we risk overlooking each moment’s grace in our spiritual journey. We should avoid reinforcing the idea of the papacy as a form of godfatherism or as mere political compensation, where leadership positions are granted based on loyalty rather than actual competence or sincere capability. Such an approach undermines the fundamental essence of effective and faithful leadership.
Furthermore, we must exercise caution to avoid fostering a culture among our youth that encourages them to “wait their turn.” Such a mindset can hinder innovation and undermine crucial reform efforts. Promoting an “it’s our turn” mentality may breed tribalism, prompting individuals to support candidates based on ethnic ties rather than their qualifications, performance, or policy positions. These divisions can dilute our shared mission and divert us from our higher aspirations. Let us unite in a spirit of unity and heartfelt prayer, particularly for our newly appointed leader, Pope Leo XIV. In these trying times, he must be imbued with the wisdom to make sound decisions, the compassion to understand the diverse needs of our global community and the courage to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. As he embarks on this significant leadership journey, may he be guided by a commitment to integrity and a focus on the greater good, empowering our communities to thrive spiritually and socially.
In a time when claims of entitlement often overshadow discussions about leadership roles, the election of a Pope serves as a powerful reminder of the essence of authentic leadership. Within the Catholic Church, authentic leadership is not about seizing power or asserting authority based on personal achievements or background; instead, it involves recognizing and humbly accepting a divine calling, a spiritual mandate, to serve God and humanity. The Church’s mission is fundamentally grounded in the principle of servanthood, viewing leaders as servants to their congregations and the broader community rather than as authoritarian figures. Emphasizing this distinction is vital, as it reflects the core values and teachings of the Church that guide its mission in today’s world.
In light of our current circumstances, it is essential to deliberately exclude the Catholic Church from the prevailing “Emilokan” mentality that has taken root in Nigerian society. We have already faced numerous crises that have profoundly affected the church’s social fabric and overall well-being. Introducing additional turbulence or division at this point only exacerbates our existing challenges, making it ever more difficult to establish common ground. To cultivate unity and promote healing, we must proactively prevent further conflicts that may hinder our progress. This involves fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among all segments of our society, even those with differing beliefs or affiliations. By prioritizing inclusivity and mutual respect, we can work together to create a more harmonious environment for everyone. This approach not only helps to ease tensions but also lays the groundwork for collaborative solutions. Ultimately, by adopting this mindset, we can strengthen our community’s resilience and ensure that we progress together, nurturing a spirit of solidarity and cooperation that benefits all members of our society.
Consequently, Nigeria’s “Emilokan” narrative that highlights local leadership and succession influenced by regional factors is irrelevant in the context of the papal election. Electing a Pope is governed by a distinct set of traditions and regulations within the Catholic Church, emphasizing the collective decision-making of the cardinals rather than any regional or national sentiments. This distinction highlights the universal nature of the papal election, prioritizing the spiritual and administrative needs of the global Catholic community over localized political dynamics. Thus, leadership within the Catholic Church is discerned rather than demanded; authority is entrusted instead of claimed, and the call to lead is viewed as a service rather than a reward for past accomplishments. The election of the Pope follows a specific and sacred procedure, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition and guided by the principles of the conclave, during which cardinals vote for a new leader for the global Catholic community. The election process involves careful deliberation, prayer, and discernment, ensuring that the individual chosen embodies the Church’s administrative needs. Hence, the “Emilokan” narrative appears to function outside these established protocols, indicating a disconnection or lack of relevance to the traditional methods of papal election.
I extend a heartfelt invitation to all individuals who embody goodwill, regardless of whether you identify as Catholic or hold different beliefs, to come together in a spirit of hope and unity rather than allowing ourselves to be divided by differences. The Church, in all its multifaceted roles and expressions, fundamentally belongs to Christ, and it continues to navigate the complexities and challenges of our contemporary world through the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Let us join forces in support of Pope Leo XIV, rallying behind him with enthusiasm and commitment as he undertakes his vital mission to inspire and uplift our spirits. We can work towards a brighter future enriched with understanding, compassion, and a shared sense of purpose. By embracing our collective journey, we can foster an environment where love prevails, and positive change becomes possible for everyone.
Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He currently writes from the Guardian Angel Catholic Police Chapel Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria.
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