An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Abass Giwa, has called for peaceful coexistence, moderation, and genuine piety among Nigerians, warning against religious coercion and excessive lifestyles.
Alhaji Giwa said this on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the 8-Day Fidau Prayer held in honour of late Prince Muritala Oyewole Olowomojuore, popularly known as Baba Gebu, who died on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and was buried on Thursday, November 19, 2025.
The event had in attendance notable actors and actresses under the umbrella of the Association of Nigeria Theatre and Art Practitioners (ANTP), including the national president, Alhaji Razak Oyadiran (aka Baroka), Ayo Ogunsina, popularly known as Papilolo, Musliu Dasofunjo, Kamorudeen Olalomi Amole, a veteran Yoruba broadcaster and on-air personality.
Olowomojuore’s Children
Baba Gebu’s children decked in white, were also in attendance.
The peak of the event was different performances that individuals and groups performed.
Speaking during a sermon, Giwa stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and should not be associated with violence or wasteful living.
He cautioned against lavish spending and excessive drinking, describing such behaviours as contrary to Islamic teachings.
“Islam is peaceful and not violent. Islam is not expected to lavish in spending, and such belongs to the devil; overdrinking is unacceptable,” he said.
The cleric urged Nigerians to uphold moral values, resist evil, and guide others away from wrongdoing, adding, “Let us be good. Let us discourage evil. Let us take people away from evil,” he added.”
Giwa also praised Olowomojuore, describing him as a good and loveable individual known for his acting skills and for not discriminating based on religion.
He strongly condemned attempts to force any religion on others, insisting that faith should be based on personal conviction and divine guidance.
“Religion is not by force. It is wrong to force people into a religion. It is God who wins souls and directs people to the religion he wants for everyone. Don’t force anybody into Christianity, Islam or traditional religion,” he warned.
The cleric further criticised the hypocrisy of individuals who present themselves as righteous while engaging in grave sins, including murder, and urged moderation in all aspects of life.
“It is bad to be greedy. We should be moderate,” he concluded.
