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Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, a traditional title holder and public commentator, has warned that Nigeria and Africa at large may be heading toward increased religious conflict if growing intolerance among faith communities is not urgently addressed.
In a statement signed by him on Thursday, Ewenla called for religious tolerance to become a shared and non-negotiable value among Nigerians of all beliefs, stressing that no faith should attack or undermine another.
He urged Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and free thinkers to remain focused on their own spiritual principles rather than engaging in criticism or confrontation.
According to him, each belief system has its own path to worship and moral guidance, which should be respected.
Ewenla referenced Africa’s religious history, noting that traditional worship existed long before the arrival of Islam and Christianity on the continent.
He explained that traditional worshippers have long communicated with God, whom he identified as Olodumare, through deities such as Ogun, Osun, Obatala, Esu and Sango, and that their prayers were answered.
He added that Muslims approach God through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), while Christians do so through Jesus Christ, and that adherents of both faiths also receive divine answers to their prayers.
As a free thinker, Ewenla said he believes God is omnipresent and not confined to any single religion, welcoming all sincere seekers regardless of belief.
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The traditional leader expressed concern over what he described as a troubling shift in religious behavior across the country. He observed that traditional worshippers, who historically avoided attacking other religions, have increasingly begun to criticize Muslims and Christians, particularly on social media.
He also noted a rise in aggressive religious commentary by both Muslims and Christians in public spaces and online.
According to Ewenla, the situation has been worsened by growing internal divisions within faith groups, with Christians criticizing fellow Christians, Muslims attacking other Muslims, and traditional worshippers questioning one another’s authenticity.
He described this trend as “unnecessary, unhealthy, and dangerous,” warning that it could fuel instability in a nation already grappling with multiple security and social challenges.
Ewenla argued that God does not belong to any single religion, stating that it is unreasonable to believe the Creator of humanity would judge the world based on adherence to just one of the thousands of religions practiced globally.
He maintained that individuals can live righteous and meaningful lives without formal religious affiliation and still enjoy divine favor.
He further pointed out that many individuals and nations that do not practice Christianity or Islam live in peace and prosperity, cautioning Nigerians against religious leaders who portray God as confined to churches, mosques or shrines.
Calling for restraint, Ewenla appealed to Nigerians to stop attacking one another over religious doctrines or the statements of clerics.
He emphasized that Nigeria does not need a religious war and urged citizens to prioritize peace and coexistence.
Ewenla concluded by praying for divine guidance and blessings for people of all beliefs.
