Why Governor Sanwoolu Won’t Open Religious Organisations On June 21 Anymore

Weeks ago, one of the best news that reached the religion sector of the economy, especially in Lagos, is the opening of churches announced by the governor of the state, Babajide Sanwoolu.

The governor explained that according to the directives of the federal government that all religious organisations can open, the state has fixed June 19 and June 21 for the opening of mosques and churches respectively.

This news brought about joy In churches, mosques, followed by several gratitude to the governor and President on the new resolution. Church members who have missed dancing and worshipping with brethren were re-awakened, with the hope that in few days, they will be re-united with other members again.

Muslim worshippers too on the other hand were full of hope again because they will have the opportunity to worship allah together.

Unfortunately, it seems the hope of Christians and Muslims are about to be dashed again as analysis done by this writer, if it is anything to go by, have confirmed that the religious centres wont be opened anymore on June 19 and June 21.

One of the main reasons Governor Sanwoolu wont open churches is that the Christian body isn’t united. Some are of the opinion that the Governor should open the church so people can pray while some are of the opinion that the churches should remain locked to curb the spread of the virus.

The government is a very democratic one, hence, everything done is as a result of consultations. The governor has consulted church leaders in Lagos, done meetings with them and it’s evident that the church isn’t united and this has caused serious fear for the governor.

The likes of the General Overseer Of Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor E.A Adeboye, The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Ayodele, CAN President, some Pentecostal churches leaders suggested opening of the churches to the governor so members can come together and pray while some others like Synagogue Church Of All Nations led by TB Joshua, including Anglican church leaders in Lagos state are not supporting the opening of churches.

For Muslims too, the chief imam of Lagos state is of the opinion that the governor shouldn’t open mosques in order to curb the virus.

Another reason the governor won’t open the religious centres is the number of cases discovered few days ago. It is worthy of being noted that in Nigeria, the number of covid-19 cases have seriously increased and this has also put Lagos at the receiving end because most of the cases are discovered there.

Also, it will be recalled that the closing of churches has sparked several arguments between church leaders. When it was just initiated, the like of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Primate Ayodele, Bishop Oyedepo, talked strongly against it, describing it as inciting God’s wrath.

After the ban was lifted weeks ago, a new twist that caused heated argument came up again when some church leaders made it known that despite the fact that the ban has been lifted, they wont open their churches till God asks them to.

Source: Trixx