In spite of the messages of love and forbearance constantly preached by the Christian and Islamic Religions, the Founder of Seed of Christ Golden Church, Apostle Solomon Oni Mustapha has stated that adherents of the two faiths are intolerant of one another because of greed and selfishness which are signs that the world is gradually coming to an end.

Expressing his opinion about the nagging issue of religious intolerance on Tuesday 22nd August, 2017 during and exclusive interview on Community Today, an online television programme on CEOAfrica, Apostle Oni Mustapha, popularly known as ‘Baba Sebioba’ explained that the religious crisis witnessed all over the world is a fulfilment of the Biblical End-time prophecy.

The Christian Cleric said “Everything happening in the world right now has been prophesied in the Bible. The Bible says in the last days, children will rise against parents, brothers will rise against sisters, and nations will rise against nations. All these are giving us signs that the end of the world is coming.”

While condemning religious hypocrisy, Apostle Mustapha stated that many followers of the two dominant religions in Nigeria usually discriminate against one another, especially at work places, organisations and even in government parastatals. He noted that many people tend to show preference or render assistance to someone who shares their faith, while ignoring the needs of those of other religions.

“If a Muslim is in one office, he will want only Muslims to be there and if a Christian is in an office, he will also want only Christians to be there. It is like the spirit of hatred is between the two religions because about 80% of these problems of intolerance are between Christians and Muslims,” the Man of God observed.

Apostle Solomon Oni Mustapha (R) and Mr Cletus Ilobanafor (L) during the Interview

While noting that corruption, greed, and selfishness have their parts to play in religious intolerance, the Christian Cleric further revealed that the contradictory teachings of the two religions as well as hate preachings are the major fuel for religious crisis. “Muslims believe that there is only one God, while Trinity is the anchor of the Christian faith. This diversity in belief is another reason for hatred by the two religions.

“Also Christians preach against Muslims and Muslims preach against Christians.  Instead of us to preach peace and love, we are preaching against one another and working against one another. That is why I came to the conclusion that the problem we are having now is because the end of the world is at hand,” he said.

Apostle Mustapha recommended that the practice of genuine love is the best solution to curbing religious crisis and intolerance. He noted that if people love God genuinely, they would want to please him and if they love one another, they would not want to hurt another. He said “If we can allow love to reign between the religions, then, we will be able to achieve national unity. But without love, hatred will reign supreme.”

The Apostle also condemned the practice of forcing people to practice other religions, adding that religion should be a matter of personal choice. He advised Nigerians not to create enmity with those who do not share their faith and abide in love with one another. “Don’t see someone of another religion as your enemy. The Bible says love your neighbour. Shedding innocent blood will not move us forward as a nation. Only love and tolerance can,” Apostle Mustapha concluded.