Akahi News reports that the Chancellor of the Diocese and Pastor of St Nicholas Catholic Church, Otan-Ayegbaju, Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin Adebiyi, joined Muslim brothers and sisters yesterday in the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir. Akahi News gathered that the gesture has been widely praised as a beautiful demonstration of interfaith harmony and mutual respect.
The Catholic priest’s presence at the Muslim celebration is not just a photo opportunity. It is a statement. In a country where religious divisions have sometimes been exploited for political gain, Fr. Adebiyi chose a different path — the path of unity. But why is this worth celebrating? Because in Nigeria, small gestures of religious tolerance can have ripple effects that go far beyond the communities directly involved.
A Call to Unity: ‘We Are All Children of God’
Speaking on the significance of his participation, Fr. Adebiyi emphasised that the gesture reminds us that all humans are children of God, called to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and harmony in society. Akahi News learnt that the priest’s message went beyond merement. He called on people of all faiths to recognise their common humanity and their shared responsibility for the nation’s progress.
“As people of faith, we continue to pray and work together for peace, understanding, and the progress of our nation,” he said. That is a powerful message, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and political tension. When religious leaders stand together, they send a signal that the challenges facing the country are not Muslim problems or Christian problems. They are Nigerian problems.
Akahi News had earlier reported that interfaith gestures have become increasingly important in Nigeria’s fragile social fabric. From the North to the South, incidents of religious violence have left scars. But moments like this — a Catholic priest breaking bread with Muslim faithful during Eid — help to heal those scars, one community at a time.
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The Catholic Diocese of Osogbo Extends Warm Wishes
The Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, under which Fr. Adebiyi serves, has also officially extended warm wishes to all Muslim brothers and sisters. Akahi News gathered that the Diocese described the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as a moment for renewed commitment to peace and love in Nigerian communities.
p>”May God grant us lasting peace and love in our communities,” the Diocese added in its message. That prayer is not just for Christians. It is for all Nigerians, regardless of faith. When a Catholic diocese publicly celebrates a Muslim festival, it breaks down walls. It says to the world: we are neighbours first, before we are anything else.
This is not the first time the Catholic Church in Nigeria has reached across the religious divide. Popes have long called for interfaith dialogue. Bishops have visited mosques. Priests have attended iftar dinners during Ramadan. But each local gesture matters because it touches real people in real communities. In Otan-Ayegbaju, a small town in Osun State, the sight of Fr. Adebiyi celebrating Eid with Muslims will not be forgotten quickly.
Why This Gesture Matters for Nigeria
Nigeria is roughly divided between a Muslim-majority North and a Christian-majority South. But in the middle belt and in states like Osun, the two faiths live side by side. Akahi News believes that it is in these mixed communities that the future of Nigerian unity will be determined. If Christians and Muslims can celebrate each other’s festivals, share meals, and pray for each other’s wellbeing, then the extremists on both sides lose their power.
One cannot help but ask: why is such a simple act of fellowship still newsworthy in 2026? The answer is sad but true. Because religious violence still occurs. Because politicians still exploit faith for votes. Because suspicion still exists between communities. Fr. Adebiyi’s gesture is newsworthy precisely because it is not yet normal. The goal should be a Nigeria where a priest joining Eid celebrations is not a headline — it is just Tuesday.
But until that day arrives, gestures like this must be celebrated. They must be amplified. They must be imitated. Akahi News had earlier reported on similar interfaith initiatives across the country, from pastors visiting mosques to imams attending Christmas services. Each story is a brick in the wall of national unity. And Fr. Adebiyi has just laid another brick.
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A Joyful and Blessed Eid to All
The Catholic Diocese of Osogbo concluded its message by wishing all Muslim brothers and sisters again a joyful and blessed Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Akahi News gathered that the message was received with warmth and appreciation by Muslim communities across the diocese.
Fr. Adebiyi’s participation in the Eid celebration is a reminder that faith does not have to divide. It can unite. The same God who hears Christian prayers also hears Muslim prayers. The same Creator who loves the Catholic faithful also loves those who celebrate Eid. That is not relativism. That is the core of genuine religious respect.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges, security threats, and political transitions, the role of religious leaders in promoting peace cannot be overstated. Akahi News believes that Fr. Adebiyi has set an example that other religious leaders — both Christian and Muslim — should follow. When shepherds lead the way, the flock follows.
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Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice, obedience, and gratitude. This year, thanks to a Catholic priest in Otan-Ayegbaju, it has also become a festival of unity. That is a blessing worth celebrating. And that is a story worth telling.
