One of the Mogaji (family heads) in Ibadan, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, has been condemned by some Christian leaders in Ibadan over what they described as an attack on Christianity.
Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Christian leaders, described Ariori’s outburst during a radio program as one that could cause a religious war in the ancient city.
It was gathered that the Mogaji had appeared on a live radio programme, Bembe Oro, on Noble FM in Ibadan on Tuesday morning.
When asked how many wives he had during the program, Ariori claimed that he had 25 wives because he is not a Christian, who usually has only one wife with many concubines.
He added that he took the decision to avoid fornication, unlike Christians who usually have one wife but still commit adultery.
He said, “Do you know what Christianity has caused to our society? It only permits a man to marry one wife. Some of them will have one wife and 30 concubines. I have 25. I am not a Christian who will have one wife and 30 concubines.”
Reacting, the Christian leaders described the statement made by Ariori as unfortunate and one that could cause a religious crisis.
They advised the Mogaji to apologize and seek forgiveness from the Christian community.
A Christian leader from Ibadan South West Local Government Area, Mr Olu Olugbenga, said Ariori’s statement is derogatory to the Christian population.
He said, “His statement is inciting. It is not good at all. When they asked him to mention the number of his wives, I expected him to stop when he mentioned 25 wives. The statement that Christians marry one wife and 30 concubines is inciting and can cause a religious crisis.”
Another Christian, Elder Joseph Akande urged Ariori to tender a public apology to the Christian community.
“He is a Mogaji. I expect him not to say that kind of thing. It is inciting and discriminatory against Christians. I expect him to tender a public apology. I do not expect the Mogaji to dabble into market leadership issues because he is not one of them,” he said.
