Lekki Chief Immam Gives Reasons Behind Controversial Banner

The Chief Immam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Ridwanullah Jamiu, explained that the controversial “Jesus Christ is Not God” banner was intended for educational purposes, not to provoke Christians. He emphasized that the banner reflects Islamic beliefs and was removed temporarily to maintain peace during the festive period.

Imam’s Explanation
The Imam clarified that the banner, which sparked outrage after being shared on social media, was meant to educate Muslims about their faith. He stated that the mosque aims to promote knowledge and that the banner included verses from the Quran, asserting that Jesus is a messenger of God, not God himself. Jamiu highlighted that the display was not a recent decision but had been up for about two months prior to the controversy 2.

Response to Controversy
Following the backlash, the Imam received calls from various authorities urging the removal of the banner due to the festive season. He explained that the removal was not an act of cowardice but a move to ensure peace and compliance with local sentiments. He plans to modify the message and re-display it later, reinforcing that they are not trying to provoke anyone but rather to express their beliefs 2.

Current Status
The banner has since been replaced with a new one stating, “Allah is the lord of Jesus,” which aims to convey a more peaceful message while still reflecting Islamic teachings 2.