The President, Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, has apologised over the comment he made while featuring on a radio programme in Ibadan, on Tuesday.
Ariori had while featuring on a live radio programme,’Bembe Oro,’ anchored by the duo of Saheed Alatise and Salawat Lukman on Noble 107.1 FM, claimed that he is not a “Christian, who usually has only one wife with many concubines.”
Some Christian leaders had described Ariori’s comments as an attack on Christianity and one that could cause a religious war in the ancient city.
But in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Ariori noted that he hold Christians in high esteem and will never go against or say anything to tarnish the image of the religion.
He urged residents of Ibadan and Oyo State not to allow religion divide them, saying he has friends, family and associates who are Christians.
The Mogaji said his comment was just a mere response to a question asked by one of the anchors of the programme, which should not be taken personal, stressing that the comment was not to attack anybody or religion.
“I have children, family members, several friends and associates who are Christians.I apologised during the course of the programme when a caller called my attention to the comment during a phone-in session,” he said.
According to him, there is nothing he would gain in making disparaging comment against Christianity, adding that he respects the religion and people practising the faith.
“I want to apologise to our Christian brothers and sisters. My words were not intentional; we are all one irrespective of our religious differences,” Ariori added.
He affirmed his commitment and support towards the development and progress of Ibadan land and Oyo State at large.
