Tunde Bakare at 70: A Life in Bold Relief

Femi Akintunde-Johnson

On Monday, 11 November, 2024, Pastor Tunde Bakare, a man who has been a significant voice in Nigeria’s religious, political, and social discourse, reaches a milestone – his 70th birthday. At 65, I described him as someone who both challenges and inspires in equal measure, one whose statements provoke admiration from his followers and consternation from his critics. Five years later, his journey has only deepened in intensity and purpose. 

Tunde Bakare is not easily swayed by public opinion. Whether it is his sharp critiques of political leadership or his unsparing assessments of the religious sector, Bakare remains an unyielding figure, rooted in his conviction that truth must always prevail. His words often feel like a double-edged sword – cutting to the heart of issues, yet ultimately aimed at stirring deeper reflection and change.

The question is not whether Bakare is controversial; rather, it’s why his words carry such weight. Spend any length of time in his company, and it becomes evident that his proclamations are rarely impulsive. He prepares meticulously, grounding his positions in scripture and reasoned argument. What some may perceive as harshness, others recognize as a deep-seated passion for justice, integrity, and accountability – values that have defined Bakare’s public and private life for decades.

  Many have called Bakare a “rabble-rouser,” but to dismiss him as such would be to overlook the principles that guide his actions. He has never been one to shy away from uncomfortable truths, even when doing so has come at a personal cost. His strength lies in his ability to challenge the status quo, particularly when he perceives that hypocrisy, incompetence, or corruption has infiltrated both religious institutions and political powerhouses.

  As Bakare enters his 70th year, his convictions remain as firm as ever. He is not one to tolerate mediocrity or disingenuousness, especially in matters of faith and leadership. His sense of duty echoes the words of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt: “Patriotism means to stand by the country… to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else.” Bakare embodies this principle, calling out what he sees as deviations from the true path, even within his own ranks. For him, silence in the face of wrongdoing is not an option.

A critical aspect of Bakare’s ministry is his deep aversion to religious hypocrisy and political charlatanism. His most scathing critiques are reserved for those who exploit the faith and trust of the people for personal gain. Contrary to popular belief, Bakare does attempt to resolve such issues behind the scenes, offering his “brothers” in the faith opportunities for correction. When private dialogue fails, however, he takes his grievances public, believing that silence would only perpetuate the wrongs.

At the core of Bakare’s teachings is a simple yet profound message: live a life of holiness, integrity, and compassion. He practises what he preaches, and while his approach may sometimes seem unrelenting, those who know him well understand that his motives are grounded in a genuine desire for a better world. Bakare is not driven by personal ambition; rather, he is propelled by his deep-seated faith and a commitment to seeing God’s will manifested on Earth.

For all his public visibility, Bakare remains a man of great humility and compassion. His generosity, though often understated, is a testament to his upbringing and the challenges he faced in his early years. He has a particular concern for those on the brink of poverty, offering not just financial support but practical advice and solutions that help people regain their footing. His charity is thoughtful and strategic, ensuring that those he helps are empowered to rise above their circumstances.

Despite his many public successes, Bakare is transparent about his own missteps, frequently sharing personal stories as teaching tools. While many would prefer to keep their failings hidden, Bakare uses his experiences to encourage others to learn from his journey. His openness is a rare quality in a world where leaders are often reluctant to admit fault, but it is a testament to his desire for continuous growth, both for himself and those around him.

As Pastor Tunde Bakare celebrates his 70th birthday, his legacy is one of bold leadership, unwavering faith, and an enduring love for Nigeria. The past few years have tested his resilience and character, particularly his foray into the 2023 presidential race. In a bold move, Bakare declared his intention to contest for the presidency, aiming to bring his brand of principled leadership and moral clarity to Nigeria’s political arena. It was a decision that garnered both admiration and criticism, as many viewed his involvement in politics as a significant departure from his role as a pastor.

The political arena, however, is fraught with its own set of challenges. Bakare faced significant backlash from both the religious and political spheres – his Jesus constituency, as well as his newfound political allies. Many religious leaders criticized his decision to pursue political office, viewing it as a misstep for someone of his spiritual stature. At the same time, politicians, often distrustful of his uncompromising nature, saw him as an outsider who was unwilling to play by the usual rules. The backlash was swift and fierce, with Bakare enduring scathing criticism from all sides.

  Yet, true to his nature, Bakare has shown an extraordinary capacity to bounce back. Despite the body blows dealt by critics and political adversaries, he remains undeterred, more focused than ever on his mission. His ability to stand firm amidst adversity, and his refusal to compromise his values in the face of pressure, speaks volumes about his inner strength and conviction. For Bakare, failure is never final – it is merely a stepping stone towards greater purpose.

As he steps into his 70th year, Bakare’s voice remains influential. Whether from the pulpit or in public discourse, his contributions continue to resonate, shaping debates on leadership, morality, and the future of Nigeria. The scars from his political journey may be visible, but they only add to the depth of his character and his commitment to truth, justice, and righteousness.

Well, some of us look eagerly to the 11th November, 2024 unveiling of Bakare’s first attempt at personal memoir writing, sedately titled “Last, But Definitely Not The Least”, I believe. We expect some feathers would be ruffled and some nerves unhinged from its ungarnished revelations – typical of the new memoirist.

Happy 70th birthday, Pastor Bakare! May the years ahead bring even greater fulfillment of your mission and calling, as you continue to inspire and challenge both the faithful and the political establishment alike. Assuredly, your impact will continue to resonate, shaping conversations in the pulpit, the halls of power, and beyond.