In a statement that has ignited widespread discussion, Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission in Lagos, has issued a stark warning to women against taking the initiative in romantic pursuits. The Bishop's comments, made on 20 December 2025, challenge contemporary dating norms by framing the dynamic in stark, biological terms.
The Predatory Nature of Man and Divine Order
Bishop Ighele began by referencing the common analogy of men as predators hunting for prey. He elaborated that this concept is rooted in divine creation, where God instilled in men a strong drive to conquer and placed them in a position of leadership within the family structure. This foundational belief, he argues, is why scripture states "He who finds a wife finds a good thing"—implying the active role is inherently masculine.
The cleric expressed concern over the modern encouragement for women to pursue the men they desire instead of waiting. He posits that this reversal of roles contradicts a natural and spiritual order established for marital harmony.
A Harsh Analogy: The 'Dead Animal' and Lost Respect
Bishop Ighele employed a vivid and controversial metaphor to drive his point home. He stated that any lady who goes after a man or forces herself on him is like a dead animal. In this analogy, she loses her self-pride and sense of shame. Just as a lion prefers to hunt living prey rather than scavenge, a man, likened to a lion, will not value a woman who pursues him.
"No man will ever respect a woman who forced herself on him. He will treat her like a cheap article," Ighele asserted. He linked this directly to marital outcomes, claiming that statistics show eight out of ten relationships or marriages where the woman made the first move end up crashing due to issues rooted in a lack of respect. Those that don't fail outright, he suggested, merely survive in a diminished state.
Direct Advice and a Warning Against 'Stray Animals'
Addressing potential counter-arguments from women who fear missing out on love, Bishop Ighele was unequivocal. To the question, "Can’t I make a move for the man I really love?" his advice was clear: "do not make any move at all." He maintained that such moves rarely work out well and often lead to exploitation rather than genuine commitment.
He cautioned that many men may simply end up sleeping with women they regard as 'stray animals' that have strayed into their path, without any intention of a respectful, long-term relationship. The Bishop concluded his message with a simple "Love you!", signing off as the leader of the Holy Spirit Mission in Lagos.
This perspective from a prominent religious figure is set to fuel ongoing debates about gender roles, agency, and the foundations of successful relationships in modern Nigerian society.
