In a lively Lagos community, where Christianity, Islam, and traditional worship peacefully coexist, the timeless principles of religious tolerance and ?Love your neighbour as yourself? flourish. This harmonious blend of faiths offers a refreshing contrast to Nigeria?s usual religious and ethnic divides, shining as a beacon of hope and unity. CHIJIOKE IREMEKA writes

On Abiodun Street, Off Agidingbi, Ikeja in the heart of Lagos State, a beautiful tapestry of faith unfolds, where Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers live side by side in harmony.

This synergy is especially evident at a local shrine, where Baba Ilesanmi Ajobiewe, the custodian of the sacred site, plays a key role in fostering unity among diverse faiths through his deep respect for others and a shared belief in divine purpose.

The shrine, the first place of worship in the area, predates both the mosque and the church.

Baba Ajobiewe reflects on the shrine?s long history, noting that despite the arrival of other faiths, he and the worshippers chose inclusivity over division, recognising that all three religions serve the same God, albeit in different ways.

The shrine has stood for decades, long before the nearby mosque and church, he explains.

Baba Ajobiewe recalls the history of the church, which was once a private home sold over 28 years ago to the Wake-Up Jesus Global Ministry, the current occupant.

The mosque, Initially built on a vacant plot, was relocated four years ago to accommodate the growing Muslim community.

Reflecting on their peaceful coexistence, Baba Ajobiewe sees the arrival of these other faiths as part of a divine plan.

?Nobody knew the mosque was coming here,? he said with a smile, believing that the presence of the mosque, church, and shrine in such close proximity is a sign of God?s will, a living example of how understanding and respect can transform differences into unity.

For Baba Ajobiewe, the key to their harmonious coexistence lies in the understanding that, despite different paths, they all serve the same God.

In this serene community, the message is clear: through mutual respect and shared faith, peace is not just possible; it is already flourishing.

?We never had any problems because we understand that there is one God, and we are all serving that same God in different ways,? Baba Ajobiewe declared.

In this peaceful corner of Lagos, mutual respect flows between followers of each faith.

?If other religious groups could follow our example, there would be no religious conflicts in the country,? he enthused.

?When people come here and see how we relate with one another, they are always impressed. We play with them, talk with them, and are everyone?s keeper. There?s no need for fighting or quarrelling.?

This tolerance is reflected in the day-to-day activities of the shrine.

For example, when the shrine?s followers drum during their rituals, they pause at the moment they hear the call to prayer from the mosque, waiting respectfully until the prayers are complete before continuing.

Similarly, the shrine ensures its activities do not disturb church services, stopping any rituals or drumming when they approach the church.

Baba Ajobiewe spoke with pride as he highlighted the importance of cooperation and mutual respect within the community.

?As the church does its own, they don?t disturb us, and as we do ours, we don?t disturb them,? he said, emphasising that this respect was key to their peaceful coexistence.

What makes this community stand out is the remarkable way in which these diverse practices complement one another rather than compete.

?Our god of iron is why everyone can come here. The shrine is open to all, no matter their religious background,? Ajobiewe said with a smile.

This is a core part of the community?s philosophy of unity. ?Our religion doesn?t discriminate, whether you are Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. People come to our programmes according to how they feel.?

?Shrine?s chief priest?s son worships with us?

Amplifying the importance of religious tolerance, the Missionary in charge of Agidingbi Mosque, Dikko Taofeek, told Saturday PUNCH that the son of the late shrine?s chief priest, Alani Ogunbunmi, is a devoted Muslim, faithfully attending prayers at his mosque.

Taofeek, a respected leader within the Ahmadiyyah community, believes that true religious harmony can only be achieved through mutual respect for one another?s faith. He cautioned that when one religion considers itself superior to others, it leads to tension.

He lives by a powerful motto: Love for all, hatred for none, a guiding principle that fosters peaceful coexistence between different religious groups. This philosophy is the foundation of the Ahmadiyyah community?s approach to living harmoniously with others, regardless of their faith.

?For us, anywhere we go, we can live with anybody because, at the core, we are all human,? Taofeek said.

Despite various cultural backgrounds and practices, Taofeek emphasised, ?At the end of the day, we all share the same basic humanity.? The mosque, traditional worship centre, and church are all situated next to each other in this community, with each group freely practising their beliefs without interference.

According to Taofeek, there?s an unwritten agreement of mutual respect. Everyone understands the need for personal space to practise their faith, and no one seeks to disrupt another?s right to worship. ?I may not worship the same way the churches or traditional centres do, but I?ve never gone into my mosque to disturb them,? Taofeek said.

He believes that worship is a deeply personal experience that should never cause division. Taofeek?s commitment to tolerance goes even further: if another faith group needed to use the mosque, he would welcome them, as long as their time together is filled with brotherly love. ?In our rules, other faith groups can use our place of worship, and I won?t stop them. When they are done, I?ll step in and do mine,? he shared.

Even before the church had its own borehole, the Ahmadiyyah community provided them with water?a simple yet profound act of generosity that reflects their ethos.

For Taofeek, religious tolerance is not about comparing which faith is superior, but about recognising that each way of worshipping is valid. ?If I don?t understand what I hold, that?s when I will cause division,? he said. ?When people start seeing themselves as superior to others, that?s when tension and conflict arise.?

According to him, the Ahmadiyyah community focuses on unity, respect, and peaceful coexistence. This mindset extends beyond their local community?across the country, especially in the southern and eastern regions, the Ahmadiyyah mosque is affectionately known as the ?Muslim Church,? symbolising their openness to Christians.

?We see ourselves as one, and that?s why, when they come, we give them an opportunity,? Taofeek stated.

Echoing Taofeek?s sentiments, a worshipper at the mosque, Shamsudeen Lawal, spoke of the community?s commitment to embracing other faiths and living without a sense of superiority. Lawal, a former Public Relations Officer of the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jamat Nigeria, said, ?This approach is a testament to our dedication to peaceful coexistence.?

The financial secretary of the Agidingbi branch of Ahmadiyyah Mosque drew a poignant parallel between communal harmony and personal relationships. ?Even in your homes, if you see yourself as superior to your spouse, there will always be discord. Just as humility nurtures peace within families, it is equally essential in fostering peaceful interactions in the broader community.?

?When we approach one another with humility, it creates an environment free of tension and conflict. We live in peace without tension,? Lawal proudly stated, noting how the approach has made their community a shining example of harmonious coexistence.

Yet, he also emphasised that unity in action is just as crucial as unity in belief. ?When there?s work to be done in the community, Ahmadiyyah members join hands with people of all faiths to accomplish it,? he said.

He reflected on the unique setup where the mosque, church, and traditional worship centre share a common fence, symbolising their willingness to interact and collaborate despite religious differences.

?Love for all, hatred for none?

?If I have something to do, I won?t say, ?Because they are there, I won?t talk to them,?? Lawal shared, highlighting how this practical application of their core belief??Love for all, hatred for none??guides their daily lives. ?When we see ourselves as equals, regardless of religious or cultural differences, we can live together peacefully,? he added.

This mutual respect, humility, and understanding, he believed, holds the key to solving many of the conflicts that often arise in our diverse world.

Agidingbi?s example of peaceful coexistence

In a country divided by the threads of religious and ethnic differences, the Agidingbi community stands as a shining beacon of hope.

The neighbourhood tells a story of transformation, where once there was tension and conflict, and now, there is the growing beauty of religious tolerance.

Saturday PUNCH?s visits to the site revealed a beautiful shift, as Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers come together, not just in proximity, but in spirit, to create a peaceful and united home for all.

Our correspondent observed that what was once a fragmented society is now blossoming with a collective heart. Leaders of all faiths are uniting, recognising that their shared values of love, compassion, and respect are the true keys to peaceful coexistence.

Before religion, we are all humans

A minister at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which shares a fence with the mosque, Niyi Oke, offered an insightful perspective on religious coexistence in this Lagos community and the need to export it to other places.

?The first thing here is that we are all humans,? Oke affirmed, stressing that at the core of human existence, shared humanity is paramount.

?No matter our faith, we are all bound by our common existence. At the core, it is our humanity that unites us,? he stated.

As a secular nation, Nigeria guarantees the freedom to practice any religion, and Oke celebrated this as a fundamental human right.

Drawing from the Bible, he referenced the verse, ?I have laid before you life and death; choose one?, explaining that it?s a reminder that the gift of choice, especially in matters of faith, is sacred and should be respected by all.

Oke highlighted how every religion thrives in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

He argued that no one should be denied access to resources or opportunities based on their faith.

?Religious differences should not prevent cooperation and mutual respect,? he said.

The message of Christ, Oke emphasised, is not only about preaching but about living in love. ?Come unto me, all you that are weary and heavy-laden,? Oke quoted, stressing that Christ?s message is one of acceptance and inclusivity.

He revealed that he church has organised open events like crusades and health outreaches, welcoming all members of the community.

Oke even mentioned distributing handbills at the local shrines and inviting people of all beliefs to hear the message of Christ.

The goal, as he sees it, is simple: to spread love and acceptance beyond religious divides.

?If you are my neighbour, and I love you, even if you park in my place, I won?t disturb you,? Oke said.

For him, the key to lasting harmony is tolerance?a fundamental respect for each other?s beliefs and practices.

He said by recognising the dignity and rights of others, a society where people from all religions can share resources, support each other, and create a community based on mutual respect can be built.

Similarly, the General Overseer of Wake-Up Jesus Global Ministries, which is sited before the mosque, Aremu Ige, emphasised the importance of religious tolerance.

?Religious tolerance is good and should be embraced by all,? said the cleric who claims to be proud of how his community lives peacefully alongside the traditional worship centre.

A church member, Sunday Sholabunmi, said they had never had any problems with the mosque or the traditional worshippers.

?We all mix on the street like friends,? he said. ?It doesn?t matter where we worship, we are all living on the same street and in the same environs, so religion will not separate us. We are not meant to fight for our God; the Almighty God, as His name sounds, will fight for Himself and us. So, why do I fight for Him??

He continued, ?He told us to love our neighbours as ourselves, which is the greatest commandment. With this unconditional love for one another, people will know that we are His and glorify the Father in Heaven.?

Tolani Ahmed, a 31-year-old Muslim, added his perspective, stating that while he is a Muslim, he still joins his friends at the traditional worship centre when there is a meeting.

?For instance, I was part of their crossover service previously, and we sang, danced, drank, and went home. We all meet on the street and at street meetings. So, we are one irrespective of our choices of worship,? he said. (Saturday PUNCH)

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