CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

The account in 2 Samuel 16:15-23, where Ahithophel betrays King David, reflects the realities of untrue loyalty in leadership tussle. This article examines this theme within the context of leadership tussles in the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, where allegiances are often driven by personal interests rather than genuine commitment. The article aims to draw practical lessons applicable to addressing leadership struggles in Anglican Communion with focus on promoting genuine loyalty, unity and servant leadership. Employing a narrative method, the study analyses the biblical passage while drawing insights from contemporary Nigerian ecclesiastical experiences. Findings reveal that untrue loyalty breeds mistrust, weakens the spiritual fabric of the Church, and exacerbates conflicts among leaders. In the Anglican Church in Nigeria, such fake loyalty is often fueled by cultural, tribal and socio-economic pressures, resulting in factions and rivalries. The researchers recommend that promoting authentic servant leadership would create platforms for honest dialogue within the Anglican Communion in Nigeria. It advocates and preserves genuine loyalty, which prioritize love, truth, unity, and the collective mission of the Church. The text of study, 1 Samuel 16:15-23, is vital for addressing the challenges of leadership struggles and preserving harmony and true loyalty in the Nigerian Church.

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