Religious Crisis in Ilorin Emirate: Causes and Solutions

Abstract

Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State in Nigeria, has been one of the most relatively peaceful cities in Nigeria, despite the difference in ethnic and religious affiliations of the people living there. But in the recent time, there have been crises between both Muslim and Christian communities. Therefore, this study investigated the remote and immediate causes of such religious crisis. The research instrument used for this study was researcher-designed questionnaires tagged “the religious crises in Ilorin: Factor and Solution”. The methodology employed for this study was both primary and secondary data. Selected number of students at the concerned schools were interviewed to gather data on causes of and solutions to religious crisis in their respective schools. Essentially, the research revealed that the crisis over the use of Hijāb by Muslim female students in the former missionary schools is the major factor responsible for religious crisis in the Ilorin Emirate. Muslim parents want their wards to use Hijāb to maintain their religious identity, but the authorities in the affected schools are objecting despite the court judgement allowing the use of Hijāb. This study was carried out in Ilorin Emirates of Kwara State in Nigeria. Ilorin is a Muslim majority city where Muslims are living together with the Christians who are the minorities. The city is open to all different religious communities from different major tribes in Nigeria, namely Hausa-Fulani, Nupe, and Yoruba. This study would sensitize Muslims and Christians on the need to live together peacefully. More so, the major stake holders among the two religious communities, the civil society organizations as well as the government will find the findings of this study handy and useful in their efforts at ensuring peace and stability in the city. To achieve peace, there is need for adequate information about religious sensibilities of people.