Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr. Sharafud-deen Gbadebo Raaji, has cautioned religious leaders against meddling in divisive politics, urging them to use their influence to promote peace, unity and peaceful co-existence.

The Ogbomoso-based cleric stated this in his sermon on Friday while admonishing religious leaders on the consequences of instigating the masses against another in the name of loyalty to a party or candidate.

Sheikh Gbadebo condemned the involvement of religious leaders in partisan mobilisation and campaign activities, warning that provocative statements could heighten tensions amongst residents across religious divides.

“These religious leaders often go extra length of preaching, using statements that could instigate violence and disrupt the peaceful coexistence of the people in the country,” he said.

The cleric also urged citizens to resist being used as instruments of political violence, questioning why Nigerians should “kill or maim one another because of politics” when politicians repeatedly make similar unfulfilled campaign promises.

He appealed to political actors, citizens and elder statesmen in Osun State to protect the peace before, during and after the election.

“Our Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh), cautions us not to be violent against each other; Muslims and non-Muslims should live in peace and harmony,” Gbadebo said.

He further warned religious leaders against making politically motivated predictions, alleging that some of these religious leaders would even give false prophecies about the election results in pursuit of political favours.

Gbadebo urged Nigerians to learn from countries facing conflict, citing Sudan as a warning against political and religious manipulation.