Oba Akinollu
Picnews
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians are being killed in Nigeria, describing the statement as false and misleading. Akiolu emphasized that Nigerians of different religions have coexisted peacefully for decades, sharing communities, celebrations, and challenges. He stressed that acts of violence in parts of the country are not religiously motivated but the handiwork of misguided individuals and criminal groups. “The killings and insecurity we sometimes experience are not about religion. Both Christians and Muslims have lived together peacefully for years. We should not allow anyone to divide us,” he said.
Akiolu urged world leaders to always verify information before making public statements about Nigeria, warning that careless comments could harm the country’s image. He expressed concern over the far-reaching implications of such declarations by global leaders, noting that statements made without proper verification could damage bilateral relations and a nation’s global standing. The traditional ruler said national unity remains essential, warning that Nigeria cannot afford internal division at a sensitive period of economic and security reforms.
The Oba’s reaction is not isolated, as other stakeholders have also pushed back against Trump’s claims. For instance, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto dismissed claims of an ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing that violence affects people of all religions. Public affairs analyst Jude Ojo noted that Kukah’s earlier statement contradicted international claims, especially from advocacy groups pushing for Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation.
Akiolu’s comments come after Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. The designation could lead to sanctions, restrictions on foreign aid, and limitations on certain trade agreements. The US president claimed that radical Islamists are responsible for the mass slaughter of Christians in Nigeria, with thousands being killed. Trump warned that if Nigeria continues to allow the killing of Christians, the US will immediately stop all aid and assistance to the country and may take military action.
The situation in Nigeria is complex, with the country facing various security challenges, including Boko Haram’s insurgency, which has killed tens of thousands of people over the past 15 years. While Christians have been among the victims, analysts say the majority of those killed by Boko Haram have been Muslims. The US designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern has sparked debate over the country’s human rights record and religious freedom.
