LAGOS, Nigeria — A banner displayed at the gate of the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos State, which sparked heated debates and criticism on social media, has been removed, a member of the Muslim community confirmed on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The banner read, “Jesus Christ is not God. He is a Prophet and Messenger of God!”
It also cited Quran 5:72, stating, “Allah says, They have disbelieved those who say that God is the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary. While the Messiah had said, ‘Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord. God has forbidden Paradise to anyone who worships something else besides Him.’”
Banner Removal Confirmed
In a video shared online, Tunde Alabi, a Lekki Muslim community member, confirmed the banner’s removal.
“My name is Tunde Alabi. I noticed that there was a banner in front of our mosque causing some controversies. I sent a message to the mosque committee, and they informed me that it had been removed,” Alabi said.
“I came here personally to check, and I can confirm it has actually been removed.”
Alabi, speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the mosque, apologised for any inconvenience caused by the banner.
“The banner has been removed. Thank you,” he added.
Online Reactions Spark Debate
The banner triggered intense reactions on social media, with critics describing it as disrespectful to Christianity and others defending it as a valid expression of Islamic teachings.
Actress Wumi Tuase criticised the display, stating, “I found it very weird that Lekki Central Mosque has this in front of their gate.”
Similarly, Fisayo Ojabodu called the banner “disrespectful to other people’s religion” and said it promoted a “foolish agenda.”
Another user, Adesuwa, described the message as “blasphemy.”
Supporters of the banner, however, argued that it reflected Islamic beliefs.
Olawale remarked, “The message on the banner is true,” while Abdul’fattah Muhdl’awwal commented, “Jesus himself never said he is God. The quote in that banner is the fact and not blasphemous.”
Calls for Religious Tolerance
The controversy has reignited discussions about religious tolerance and freedom of expression in Nigeria, a country with a history of interfaith tensions between its Christian and Muslim communities.
One user, ChristTheLighthouse, urged Christians to respond peacefully, noting, “Our Lord and saviour received criticism, backlash, rejection, and even insults up to the point of death. The gospel is never by force, war, coercion, or propaganda.”
A Broader Conversation
The incident highlights the delicate balance between religious expression and respect for other faiths in Nigeria’s diverse society.
While the banner’s removal may calm immediate tensions, it underscores the importance of fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect in one of the world’s most religiously active nations.
