Governor of Ekiti State, John Olukayode Fayemi, marked his administration’s third anniversary by praying in a mosque.
The act, perhaps, to promote religious tolerance among Nigerians, has generated mixed reactions with some cheering him while others said it was a propaganda taken too far.
Generally, Muslims do not forbid none adherents from entering a mosque.
The most authoritative Islamic schools – Shafi’I, Hanbali and the Hanafis hold that non-Muslims are allowed to enter all mosques except for the Sacred Mosque (the Ka’bah).
But the presence of Fayemi in mosque elicited disapproval from Nigerians on social media.
A tweet from @trueSFICIONADO reads: “When leaders are bereft of ideas they resort to all sorts of means to attract attention. How does this add value to task before him to provide services to the people. Gullible people are those who read meaning to this. Similar to acting in Nollywood.”
@EverROUN also said: “A Christian leader doesn’t need to worship in the mosque or a Muslim leader in the Church in order to enjoy the confidence of people of the opposite faith. Just be a good leader, one remarkable for his sense of justice, equity, fairness, tolerance, accommodation, love. No faking.”
@AJOrhewere added: “Political worshipping! Will you do that when you are out of office, sir, @kfayemi ? That is the true test of faith…when the cameras are not looking!”
@PeewitPro also added: “This doesn’t make any sense to me….He’s deceiving himself because he can’t deceive God and the people with that act.”
@Fecomnet quips: “See what politics can turn man to? Jumat? John Kayode Fayemi.”
