Although the idea of merging three religions seems like it could be a fashionable thing in modern times, a conservative district Alalubosa in Ilorin, Kwara State does not welcome this. It is for the simple fact that this merger is happening right there in what was supposed to be a mosque.

The worship centre in question has been branded Chrislam because it over time morphed into a nest that shelters Islam, Christianity and even motherland spirituality, according to an unidentified Muslim group that invoked the Emir of Ilorin in their recent show of dissent.

A middle-aged man named Olojatuntun, in a video seen on X, spoke on behalf of the Muslim group when it visited the Ijo Olohun Kose Ko Oju Ija Si ministry to tell them to stop their activities immediately.

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Having a hybrid doctrine is not fitting for the holiness that birthed the Ilorin Emirate, says the cleric-like Olojatuntun, and so they are going to put up a fight if a strange culture tries to enter.

We aren’t here to fight. We only want this practice of combining religions not to be repeated. This communication is not an advisory. If the new ministry cares for such, they can hold Christian service in there, but not mix things up.

We won’t allow anyone to destroy this town. To come here, gather people and ask them to practise both religions. So tell the head not to give us a reason to return to remake this point. Although the ministry can claim ownership of the land, this is the town of the Emir.

The recipient of this stern warning has been identified as Alhaja Akanke More Blessing a.k.a ATAYESE 1. She is the one who leads the Ijo Olohun Ko Se Ko Oju Ija Si ministry. Her YouTube page shows short clips about spiritual manifestations and aligning with one’s destiny.

In any case, through her messaging, Alhaja Akanke always emphasises accommodating spiritual depths by praying for and trying to approach types of religions as one entity.

Even though her critics have invoked the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari as the authority supporting the march of dissent they led at the worship centre, ATAYESE 1 sees her calling being put to practice through the doctrine she has invented – it is one unlike none ever seen.

When I was called by God, I was told to teach following the Christian way, says the Alhaja while having a meeting with the protesters.

I was told, she adds, to preach to both Muslims and Christians.  I have been on the mountain when Muslims come, [and] we pray for Christians as well.

Sometimes, international partners point to religious intolerance as a factor that hinders democracy in Nigeria. Kwara has consistently shown in the spotlight for instances of attacks of that hue.

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In August 2023, a Kwara State Council of Ulama revolt led to the halting of the Isese Festival for Yoruba traditionalists that was being planned. The police had recommended the action because information was rife at the time that a hostile reaction was imminent in the event the festival went ahead.

Even if the Emir of Ilorin certainly didn’t give his consent for the unidentified group’s visit, his spokesperson Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona was clear in a statement he shared with Vanguard that Mosques are sacred places of worship for Muslims and should not be used for any other things as contained in the Holy Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.