To some extent, it’s comprehensible if traditionalists sympathize with Tani Ọlọhun and neglect ethics, given the attacks they’ve faced, like the term “elebo,” not exclusive to them. Yet, the Christians supporting him—does this truly reflect religious tolerance?
Recollections bring to mind Reinhard Bonnke, who visited my village, confronting witches and wizards. Christians chant, “ogún Oso gbogbo, ate pa, Ogun aje gbogbo, ate pa!” as they march, proclaiming victory over these entities.
Pathetically, masquerades are Wasiu, Sule, Mufu, Karimu, not Peter, Samson, or Paul.
Unlike Islam, Christianity aimed to supplant culture without common ground. It banned polygamy, which was a norm in traditional African societies, unlike Islam’s limit of four spouses.
Christianity renamed Fagbemi to Jesugbemi, Ogunseyi to Oluwaseyi, labeling Èṣù as Lucifer, the devil.
How many Yoruba Muslim kings practice tradition versus Christian kings?
Surprisingly, Christians now join traditionalists to accuse Muslims of intolerance. Is this a smokescreen to conceal their own intolerance, or a reflection of the dual nature seen in Christian Missionaries, as in the teachings of Paul: “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7)
I’m not advocating mixing religions. Embrace Christianity, Islam, or traditional practices wholly. Yet, portraying Christians as more tolerant than Islam is unfounded. And of course, that definition of tolerance is subjective.
If you doubt me, consider:
Who plundered African deities? Reside they in Saudi or Europe?
Food for thought.
Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman
English 