When religion restricts us

The relationship between the two major religions in Nigeria has always been a precarious one. Both are wary of each other. The international community believes the north is populated majorly by the Muslims while the southerners are mostly Christians.

The traditional indigenous religions are almost forgotten, but to some extent they hold sway in some areas. The followers of the two other major religions have always accused each other of excesses ranging from violence to noise pollution.

But it is unacceptable when activities of the traditional worshippers affect our lives adversely. This is the case of the ORO festival which is still been practiced in some parts of Lagos state and other western states. Restriction is placed on movement of people within a whole community irrespective of how sensitive a person’s job or purpose of going out is.

It is so sad that people are told not to put on lights in their various homes. In most instances women are told to come out of their homes. This is too much as a particular religion cannot place ban on movement of people who don’t believe in their doctrine. The various governments have supported the moves of such religious bodies by allowing them to have their way.

It is high time the government bans such moves by the traditional religious worshippers. So many productive hours are lost when such ban takes place. People can’t continue living under the shadow of such traditional religions….