Let the truth be told, the disturbing turn of events in Nigeria and the reverberation of same not just to our society but to our children and beliefs is worrying. I seldom have time to write and whenever I do, it’s damn on things that I’m passionate about.
When singer, Timi Dakolo’s wife, Busola Dakolo, decided and agreed to sit down with Chude Jideonwo inside a church for an interview I was shocked. Though I sympathise with Busola Dakolo on her rape claims against Commonwealth of Zion Assembly’s Senior Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo – whether Biodun Fatoyinbo is a rapist, or the allegations are proven to be true or false, I will leave that to the hands of the authorities.
However, I’m horrified not because of what Busola Dakolo said but because of the place where the interview was conducted. The interview was conducted inside a church with the altar acting as the background. Growing up in Lagos, there are very few places that we considered sacred, the churches and mosques plus the military barracks were a no go areas for ‘any foolishness’ (as my friend, HOC, would say). Whatever our religious beliefs are, during festivities, we remove our cap and shoes and perform oblation before going into a mosque to celebrate, and you make the sign of the cross once you enter inside the church…Why? Because it is a sacred place of worship to the Almighty. Afterall, have you EVER seen a serving soldier approach his General without saluting or showing respect?
To put this Busola Dakolo interview inside a church into perspective, let’s remind ourselves what happened when Bajan mega pop star, Rihanna, in October 2013 posed for a photoshoot inside Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque complex, she was swiftly ordered to leave for being “inappropriate” OUTSIDE Muslim’s places of worship. In a statement posted on its website about the incident, the Mosque simply said Rihanna was kicked out “after she posed in ways that do not match the sacred status” of the complex. Case Closed!
Why is this even important? It is crucial because when Daddy Freeze started an onslaught against Christianity and Christian values, many of the so-called Nigerian celebrities jumped on the bandwagon and started bashing several churches and pastors. I am all for tackling injustice and oppression, and the fact is that some of Daddy Freeze’s arguments started out to be objective, insightful and thought-provoking but the more Daddy Freeze enjoyed publicity, social media likes and followership, the more hardline, rude and obnoxious he became. The argument quickly moved from tithes and church governance to crude attacks on respected men of God. If you cannot see what is wrong with a young man, mocking and abusing an octogenarian – even if it’s not Pastor Enoch Adeboye or Bishop David Oyedepo – then you need to get one of those KOKO beautiful sunglasses. Ever wondered why Daddy Freeze has NEVER picked on any muslim cleric or leader? Never, not once! Why is he not saying derogatory things about the Holy Prophet (SAW), the Sultan of Sokoto or Emir of Kano. Why have we never seen protests or such interviews inside mosques? Before you get your pants in a twist, this isn’t about Christians against muslims or any faith at all.
So give yourself brain and ponder, will the narrative of the alleged crime be lost if the interview was conducted on the road outside a church, at a police station or in the comfort of Busola Dakolo’s house? Of course it WON’T? So why inside the church? This is about a supposed crime, allegedly committed by a man that happens to be (or purports to be) a pastor. Even if the allegation was against a muslim leader, my arguments would remain exactly the same. Would I approve of such an interview inside a mosque? Not in a billion years!
This interview has nothing to do with our faith, the sacred place of Christian or Islamic worship or reflects what really happens in our most holy places of worships. Churches and mosques are holy sacred places of God, a place to worship the Almighty. Assuredly, this interview will, like Daddy Freeze’s movement lead to more stupid attacks on our faith, beliefs, values and turn us against ourselves, as there will be more brazen attacks on churches and very very soon mosques. We really need to keep talking about crimes and injustices but like Rihanna, should we turn our sacred places to a runway because we are celebrities or mega stars?
The actions and inaction of Pastors and Imams who are humans like us, should not make us lose our faith, beliefs and truth in the Almighty God. We must collectively tackle this charlatans and ‘wolves in sheeps’ clothing but ultimately, and most importantly, ensure we do it respecting our scared places, beliefs and upholding our values.
My Week
Who’s Caught My Eye: American football Women’s captain Megan Rapinoe, might not be everyone’s cup of tea but she has just led her teammates to win the World Cup in France. Megan is a leader, campaigner for social justice but her no nonsense attitude is a breath of fresh air. Asked whether she was excited to go to Donald Trump’s White House, Megan famously retorts, “Pfft, I’m not going to the f***ing White House.”
What I’ve Been Up To: Summer is always a busy time and our new Kokonista and Tech Project is exciting.
What I’m I listen To: My boys have just discovered Eben’s Holy Ginger and we are all learning one or two dance moves from the talented guy.
Next Up For Me: Our new summer bag collection should be in stores in London soon. Happy days.
What I’m watching: Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer’s epic game of cat and mouse in Killing Eve is just sensational…I’m Hooked. I’m a massive Villanelle fan and Charlotte Mitchell deserves all the awards for the wardrobe and costume. Amazing.
Photo Credit: Getty
