The Chaplain of Our Lady of Perpetual Light Chapel, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Akinwumi Akinsode has reiterated the fact that the Catholic Church is at peace with the Muslim community both within the campus and elsewhere. He said that this is not only limited to the Muslims, but also other religious groups within the Religious Centre of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Rev. Fr. Michael Akinsode made this point while celebrating the 2025 Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple on Sunday 2nd, February 2025, which began with Candle Light procession within the Church Premises. The Church is not just a symbol of peace, but a light to the world.

Fr.  Michael Akinsode specifically made this point to dispel rumour which came up recently (during the immediate past week), when a lady popularly referred to as Sister Mary went to the adjourning OAU Community Mosque to ask the Muslim Ummah, who had gathered for the Friday Juma’at to remove their vehicle from the Church premises or face the risk of setting them ablaze. This in the words of Fr. Akinsode was an embarrassment to the Church that had enjoyed peaceful and robust relationship with the Muslim Community.

Fr. Akinsode stated that over the years, both communities (Catholic and Muslims) have maintained good and cordial relationship, and that no amount of propaganda can destroy such.  He said that even before he became the Chaplain, he had heard from his predecessors of this cordial relationship. He further said that no amount of intimidation would break such peace, appealing to the Muslim community to disregard the threat of Sister Mary as she is neither a Nun nor does her view(s) represent that of the Church. As a way of assurance, the Chaplain, had visited the Muslim authority to assure them of the Church’s position on the issue.

 

Sources close to the Church authority confirmed the robust relationship shared by the two Communities. This was confirmed by the Communication Chairman of the parish, who even pointed to a gate popularly referred to as the Unity Gate built and maintained by the Catholic Church and only opened on Fridays to grant the Muslim Ummah access to the University Mosque.

 

Dr. Akubor also confirmed that the Muslim community and Catholics have also use each other’s Car Park when such need arises.