By Queen Madaki
Former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye has claimed that he owns more than 200 cars while speaking about his wealth, political career and Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Melaye made the claims during an appearance on the KAA Truths podcast, where he also criticised comments attributed to Pastor Enoch Adeboye about President Bola Tinubu’s administration and questioned the proliferation of churches across Nigeria.
Melaye Says He Owns More Than 200 Cars
Asked about his wealth, Melaye said he owns over 200 cars and claimed that he had never obtained a government contract at either the federal or state level.
He said further details about the source of his wealth would be provided by his legal counsel, while reflecting on his background and political career.
Melaye’s claim about his car collection and his statement that he has never secured a government contract could not be independently verified by The Bureau Journal.
Melaye Questions Adeboye’s Position on Tinubu
The former senator also criticised Pastor Enoch Adeboye over comments concerning President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s challenges.
Melaye questioned how a religious leader could commend the administration while Nigerians continue to face kidnapping, insecurity and killings.
He suggested that Adeboye’s position could have been influenced by ethnic considerations.
“Maybe he is doing Yoruba Parapo. But if it’s the same market that we go to that people are being kidnapped on a daily basis, that children are being murdered in cold blood in the wilderness, no minister of God will speak like that,” Melaye said.
Security remains a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections, with insecurity identified as one of the major concerns for Nigerian voters.
Former Senator Questions Number of Churches
Melaye also criticised what he described as the proliferation of churches in Nigeria, arguing that the country needs more industries and productive economic activities.
He recalled visiting Ibadan, Oyo State, where he said he saw a six-storey building containing about 40 churches.
“I was in Ibadan not long ago. There was this six-storey building I saw and I counted it. There were 40 churches on one building. You cannot have a good economy or country where you have more churches than industries,” he said.
Melaye Links Development to Industrialisation
Melaye’s argument centres on the need for Nigeria to expand industrial production and create more economic opportunities rather than relying heavily on activities that do not directly increase productive capacity.
His comments come amid a wider debate over Nigeria’s economic performance and the effect of inflation and rising living costs on households.
The Bureau Journal previously reported calls for significantly higher wages, with the Nigeria Labour Congress arguing that current income levels have failed to keep pace with the cost of living.
Nigeria’s economic challenges have also renewed discussions about industrialisation, investment and the country’s ability to create sustainable employment.
In a separate report, The Bureau Journal examined Nigeria’s economic history and the period when the country lent $240 million to the World Bank, highlighting the significant changes in the nation’s economic position over the decades.
Melaye Remains Active in Nigerian Politics
Melaye, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, remains active in political discussions despite leaving the Senate.
His latest comments touch on three issues that continue to dominate Nigeria’s public debate: the wealth of political figures, insecurity and the country’s economic direction.
His remarks about churches and industrial development are opinions expressed during the podcast and do not by themselves establish a causal relationship between the number of churches and Nigeria’s economic performance.
Melaye’s political comments also come as parties and political figures prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle. The Bureau Journal is tracking the emerging political landscape and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Bureau Journal will continue to follow developments involving Melaye and other political figures as Nigeria’s 2027 political activities intensify.
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