Ridwanullah Jamiu, the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, has clarified that the banner stating “Jesus Christ is Not God,” which was displayed on the mosque’s fence, was not meant to incite anyone.
This banner sparked controversy after a photo of it circulated on social media, prompting accusations of an attack on the Christian faith. In a sermon to his congregation, Jamiu explained that the intention behind the banner was to educate Muslims.
“When visiting Lekki Central Mosque, we hope to provide opportunities for learning,” he said. “Passing by the banners, you can gain knowledge because Islam values enlightenment.” He noted that the banners outside the mosque feature verses from the Quran and Hadith.
Jamiu reported that following the viral photo, he received numerous requests from government officials and local authorities to take down the banners due to the ongoing festive season. He emphasized that the display was not designed to provoke, highlighting the distinction between the promotion of Islam and provocation.
“The banner has been up for about two months; it was not a recent addition. We are a peaceful people and do not seek to offend anyone; our aim is simply to share our beliefs,” he stated.
He also addressed the beliefs surrounding Jesus, noting that Muslims have their perspective based on the Quran, where Jesus is referred to as ‘Isa.’ “Belief in Jesus is integral to being a Muslim. Our faith is aligned with the Quran, which teaches that Jesus Christ is not God but rather a messenger of God. Is it wrong for us to share our beliefs in our own space as a means of educating our community? This is a matter of religious freedom and expression,” he asserted.
Regarding the decision to remove the banner, Jamiu mentioned that he faced criticism from some who labeled the action as cowardly.
“This is not an act of cowardice. We chose to take it down to promote peace and adhere to government requests, especially during this festive time when some might interpret it as intentionally provocative. We are planning to modify the banner and re-display it; we are not afraid,” he clarified.
The banner has since been replaced with a new message stating, “Allah is the Lord of Jesus.”
