Adopt interfaith dialogue to end religious conflicts, Odey urges Nigerians

Ini Billie, Uyo

A Church History and African Culture scholar, Prof. Onah Augustine Odey, has called for the adoption of interfaith dialogue, mediation, and education as key instruments for resolving religious conflicts and divisions in Nigeria.

Delivering the 121st inaugural lecture of the University of Uyo on Thursday, titled “The Battle of the Gods in the Christianization of Yala (1928–2024),” Prof. Odey stressed that open communication and mutual understanding are vital for peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious groups.

He advocated the establishment of conflict mediation processes led by impartial religious leaders or mediators, alongside educational initiatives that break down stereotypes and promote shared values.

According to him, “Key strategies include open and honest communication, active listening, finding common spiritual values, engaging external support like mediators or teachers to help navigate complex interpersonal or family conflicts, and implementing power-sharing arrangements to ensure all groups feel secure and represented.”

Odey also called for the integration of inter-religious education into school and college curricula to nurture tolerance and respect.

He suggested that the media should actively highlight stories of interfaith cooperation and kindness to build positive narratives and strengthen bonds between communities.

“The focus should be on understanding the other party’s perspective and underlying concerns rather than escalating tensions,” he said. “Initiative should be taken to confess any part one had played in the conflict and seek forgiveness to mend relationships.”

Expressing concern over the growing divisions within the Nigerian Church, the professor lamented that ethnicity, denominational rivalry, and doctrinal disputes have weakened Christian unity. He criticized the Church’s preoccupation with prosperity messages and cathedral-building at the expense of true discipleship.

Reflecting on the historical spread of Christianity in Yala, Cross River State, between 1928 and 2024, Odey observed that while the faith flourished outwardly, it was never fully assimilated.

He attributed this to the loss of gospel authenticity through human traditions and the Church’s failure to engage with the cultural and spiritual realities of Yala society.

He asserted that for Christianity to take deep root in Africa, it must be expressed in ways that reflect African identity and spirituality.

“Before Yala and Africa are Christianized, Christianity must first become Yala or African,” he declared. “Inculturation theology has a major role to play in understanding the nature, functions, and disguises of the spirits at the gate and in bringing God’s promises to bear on them.”

Odey’s lecture, which drew scholars, clergy, and students, emphasised that interfaith understanding and cultural integration remain crucial to achieving lasting peace and genuine religious transformation in Nigeria.