Nigerian Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri has responded to a social media user who accused him of secretly practising Islam to avoid offending his wife and others.
The exchange began after Omokri shared a photograph of himself during a visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Morocco, one of the world’s largest mosques. He captioned the image: “Inside one of the largest mansions on earth – the resplendently magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Morocco.”
Reacting to the post, an X user identified as Bandaru Zakari alleged that Omokri secretly practises Islam but keeps it hidden so as not to offend his wife and other people.
In a lengthy response, Omokri dismissed the allegation, insisting that he has never concealed his religious beliefs and would never be ashamed of them.
“Dear Zakari, thank you for your feedback. There is nobody in Heaven and no one on Earth who is important enough to make me ashamed of my beliefs or force me to practise them in secret,” he wrote.
Omokri explained that although he has great respect for Islam, studies the Qur’an and researches the Hadiths, he is not a Muslim.
“I love Islam, and respect the Mu’min. And I study al-Quran and research the Hadiths. But that is where it ends. I am not a Muslim,” he stated.
He noted that Morocco was not the first Islamic country he had visited and that he had also toured places of worship belonging to other religions, including Hindu, Buddhist and traditional African faiths.
According to him, his visits are driven by a desire to understand different religions and promote peaceful coexistence among people of diverse beliefs.
“I do my utmost to learn about all faiths on Earth because I am an advocate for peaceful religious coexistence. As long as your religion is not antisocial or repugnant to natural justice, I will not judge you,” he said.
Omokri reaffirmed that he is an Orthodox Christian and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom he referred to by the Hebrew name Yeshua and the Islamic name Nabi Isa.
He also disclosed that he owns a Tasbih (Islamic prayer beads), which he uses for prayer and meditation, adding that his appreciation of Islamic practices does not amount to conversion.
The former presidential aide further expressed the view that genuine submission to God is central to faith, regardless of religious affiliation, while maintaining that he believes in one God.
He added that if he ever ceased to follow Christianity, he would openly embrace the traditional Ifá religion of his ancestors rather than conceal his beliefs.
“If following the teachings of Yeshua, the Jewish Rabbi, is no longer sufficient for me, then I will openly and publicly follow the ways of my ancestors and practise Ifá religion and its Ìṣẹ̀ṣe traditions,” he wrote.
Omokri concluded his response by thanking the social media user for the comment and offering him prayers.
The exchange has since attracted reactions online, with many users commenting on Omokri’s views on religion, interfaith understanding and freedom of belief……See More
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