When Religion Cannot Stop Political Crisis in the Old Western Region of Nigeria: Ikire under Historical Review.

Abstract

Using historical events research approach and qualitative key informant interview, this study examined how religion failed to stop political crisis that happened in the old Western region of Nigeria. Ikire, in the present Osun State of Nigeria was used as a case study. The study investigated the incidences of killing, arson and exile that characterized the crisis in the town which served as the case study. It argued that the two prominent political figures which started the crisis failed to apply the religious doctrines of love, peace and brotherhood which would have solved the crisis before it spread to all parts of the Old Western Region of Nigeria and the entire nation. Moreover, it was also argued somewhere else in this paper that the supporters of the two prominent political figures also failed to apply the doctrines of love, peace and brotherhood as rightly preached in their individual religions which they professed. The study recommended that doctrines of love, peace and brotherhood should be allowed to prevail in solving any political crisis in the future. It considered religion as the spiritual thing which leads to the eternal, but other things as temporary that would soon give way for things eternal. Furthermore, the study also challenged the religious leaders to always wake up to their spiritual responsibility of building peace in the society, knowing surely that they are God’s ambassadors in the human society.