In the heart of Nigeria’s intricate societal fabric, where spirituality and governance intersect, the tragic death of Dr. Vwaere Diaso at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, reverberates as a stark reminder of the enigmatic coexistence of fervent religious beliefs and pervasive corruption. This complex interplay, embodied in the backdrop of a nation marked by rich faith traditions and systemic challenges, necessitates a nuanced exploration. As Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attributed the doctor’s demise to a spiritual attack, her words set in motion a dialogue that delves deep into the multifaceted dimensions of this heartbreaking event. In a viral video, the Lagos State First Lady attributed the death of Dr. Diaso in an elevator mishap at the General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island, to an “arrow fired into the health family”. No, it is arrow of bad leadership, neglect of elevators.
Embedded within Nigeria’s societal narrative is an intricate tapestry of faith, where Christianity and Islam hold immense sway over individual lives, moral values, and decision-making. This potent religiosity, however, is often juxtaposed against a backdrop of systemic corruption that manifests in various forms, from petty bribery to large-scale misuse of public funds. Dr. Diaso’s tragic death becomes a poignant emblem of this paradox—a symbol of the perplexing coexistence of profound spirituality and widespread corruption.
At the core of this dialogue is Mrs. Sanwo-Olu’s assertion of “spiritual attack” instead of a “spirit of dishonesty in governance”, a term that resonates deeply with the socio-political landscape of Nigeria. Her perspective underscores the complex dance between faith and accountability, raising critical questions about how spiritual beliefs and exploitation coalesce. While her statement illuminates the lens through which some might rationalize their actions, it also draws attention to the dearth of ethical and moral accountability mechanisms within public institutions. As inefficiency, mismanagement, and dishonest practices proliferate, they often find refuge behind the veil of spiritual justifications, thus diluting the pursuit of transparent governance.
Central to this discourse is the tragic event itself—an incident that reveals a glaring tale of negligence and lack of accountability. Dr. Diaso’s death in a faulty elevator that had reportedly been malfunctioning for years sheds light on a harrowing truth. The hospital management’s alleged indifference to prior complaints epitomizes the chilling reality of corruption’s subtle grip on institutions. The irony lies in attributing this catastrophe to a spiritual attack, when the underlying issue is a systemic failure to ensure maintenance and safety.
The shift from accountability to attributing unfortunate events to spiritual forces mirrors a society grappling with its moral compass. In such an environment, the narrative becomes blurred, making it crucial to distinguish between genuine spiritual convictions and attempts to evade responsibility. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a national conversation about faith, governance, and accountability.
A Path Forward. To honor Dr. Diaso’s memory and pave the way for change, Nigerian leaders must embrace a paradigm shift. Blaming spiritual forces is a facile escape from the crux of the issue. Instead, confronting inefficiency, negligence, and corrupt practices head-on is the only viable trajectory. The essence of combating the spiritual attack of corruption lies not in invoking supernatural explanations, but in implementing concrete measures that foster transparency, ethical conduct, and governance aligned with Nigeria’s deeply held values.
In honor of Dr. Diaso’s memory and to usher in change, Nigerian leaders must adopt a transformative approach. Shifting the blame to spiritual forces serves as a simple way to avoid confronting the real issue. Instead, a proactive stance against incompetence, mismanagement, and misleading practices is the only viable course of action. The key to combating the spiritual attack of corruption doesn’t lie in invoking supernatural explanations. Rather, it entails implementing tangible strategies that promote transparency, fair behavior, and governance aligned with Nigeria’s core values.
The haunting memory of the elevator incident that claimed Dr. Diaso’s life should serve as a catalyst for change. While investigations will naturally ensue, a deeper introspection is essential. Nigeria finds itself at a crossroads, where confronting corruption and steering governance towards a principled direction are imperative. The spirit that requires addressing is the spirit of change, one that embraces accountability, rectifies mismanagement, and fosters an era of governance rooted in integrity and progress. Amidst the tragedy, the nation has an opportunity to transform, bridging the chasm between spirituality and governance for a brighter future.
The lingering specter of the elevator incident beckons as a stimulus for change. Nigeria now stands at a crossroads, compelling a confrontation of corruption and a reorientation of governance toward principled conduct. The spirit requiring attention is that of change—one embracing answerability, rectification of maladministration, and heralding an era of integrity and progress. In the face of this tragedy, the nation has the opportunity to transform, thereby bridging the chasm between spirituality and governance toward a more luminous future.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu’s attribution of Dr. Diaso’s passing to a spiritual attack triggers a psychological exploration into the intricate dance of faith, governance, and leadership responsibility. This analysis acknowledges the cultural significance of faith in Nigeria—where Christianity and Islam wield considerable influence. Simultaneously, it shines a spotlight on the pitfalls of invoking spirituality to justify systemic issues such as corruption.
Striking a harmonious balance between acknowledging faith’s role in decision-making and addressing ethical gaps underscores the imperative for leaders to establish a precedent for responsible governance, transcending mere spiritual explanations. This psychological inquiry underscores the implications of attributing vice and negligence to spiritual forces, potentially impeding genuine progress and obstructing transparent practices.
A delicate equilibrium is essential—one that simultaneously recognizes the potent role faith plays in shaping decision-making while confronting the tangible voids within ethical accountability. This underscores the imperative for leaders to rise above mere spiritual explanations and carve a path toward principled governance that resonates beyond the metaphysical realm.
Delving into the psychological terrain reveals the implications inherent in attributing continuous inattention, institutional doziness, and gross negligence to spiritual forces. Such attribution has the potential to impede authentic progress and obstruct the pursuit of transparent practices. In our ongoing discourse contrasting spirituality with the resounding call for accountability.
In this pivotal moment, it is crucial Madam Sanwo-Olu and her fellow leaders across Nigeria to draw meaningful lessons from the tragic demise of Dr. Diaso—a somber incident underscored by neglect and a glaring absence of accountability. The path forward must veer away from seeking refuge in spiritual scapegoats and pivot decisively toward confronting the root causes that underpin such grievous catastrophes. The crux of the matter lies in acknowledging that eradicating corruption mandates tangible measures that resonate harmoniously with Nigeria’s intricate cultural and moral fabric.
As we reflect on the profound impact of this incident, we extend our heartfelt wishes to honest-minded Nigerians. The poignant loss of a promising life urges us to reconsider the confluence of faith and accountability within our collective pursuit of truth and governance. May this contemplation pave the way for a brighter, more responsible future, where spirituality and integrity coalesce harmoniously for the betterment of Nigeria.
*Professor Oshodi, an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist, is the Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings.
