A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, has stirred national conversation after reflecting on religion, morality, and Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, questioning whether faith has truly helped or hindered national unity.
In a widely shared commentary on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Kalejaye narrated personal experiences from his upbringing in Ijebuland, where Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers coexisted peacefully, especially during celebrations such as the Ojude Oba festival and the Islamic Eid al-Adha (Ileya).
He explained that in his community, religious boundaries were often blurred in favour of unity, noting that Christian youths, including members of the Boys Brigade, actively participated in Eid celebrations by accompanying Muslim leaders to prayer grounds and assisting in post-festival activities such as ram slaughtering.
According to him, such interactions fostered mutual respect and communal harmony, with families across religious lines exchanging gifts during festive seasons.
However, Kalejaye expressed concern that the modern Nigerian society appears to have lost much of that harmony, as religion is increasingly being associated with division, intolerance, and in some cases, violence.
He also recounted a conversation with his 11-year-old grandson, who questioned why individuals who identify as religious still engage in wrongdoing. The child reportedly suggested, in his innocence, that religion should be outlawed entirely to prevent its misuse for evil purposes.
The SAN said he disagreed with the suggestion, stressing that the problem is not religion itself but the moral character of individuals who practice it. He argued that being religious does not automatically translate to being godly or ethical.
Kalejaye further noted that while religion once served as a stabilising force in Nigerian communities, its current misuse has contributed to mistrust and insecurity, including the continued plight of kidnapped victims across the country.
He, however, stopped short of supporting any move to abolish religion, insisting instead that Nigeria must focus on rebuilding values, accountability, and moral discipline among citizens.
