Kehinde Fajobi
A banner displayed at the gate of the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many condemning its message about Jesus Christ.
The banner read, “Jesus Christ is not God. He is a Prophet and Messenger of God!” It also cited Quran 5:72, which states, “They have disbelieved those who say that God is the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary… God has forbidden Paradise to anyone who worships something else besides Him.”
The message has triggered mixed reactions. Some social media users labelled it blasphemous, while others argued it aligned with Islamic teachings.
Nigerian actress Wumi Tuase expressed her disapproval on X, saying, “I don’t like to get into religious conversations, but I found it very weird that Lekki Central Mosque has this in front of their gate.”
Another user, Fisayo Ojabodu, tweeted, “You don’t see the banner is disrespectful to other people’s religion and is propagating foolish agenda.”
Similarly, Adesuwa wrote, “This action is nothing but blasphemy.”
However, others defended the banner’s message. Silva Bella commented, “I have read the Bible a lot, and it’s obvious Jesus is not God. He’s the son, which means God is the father.”
Abdul’fattah Muhdl’awwal also argued, “Jesus himself never said he is God… The quote on the banner is a fact and not blasphemous.”
The conversation extended beyond criticism and defence. One user, FS Yusuf, highlighted issues of religious tolerance, saying, “Christianity is actually a religion of peace. Until we learn to uphold tolerance, we can’t make progress as a pluralistic society.”
Another user, ChristTheLighthouse, noted, “We as Christians accept criticism, backlash, rejection, and even insults… The gospel of repentance is never by force, war, coercion, or propaganda. It’s a personal experience.”
While opinions remain divided, some urged unity and mutual respect.
Muhammad Shaikhan commented, “The beauty of this drama between Christians and Muslims is that everyone of us knows that God is one. The argument is all about the teaching of Jesus and that of Prophet Muhammad.”