Intra-Religious Relations and Social Media–Driven Conflicts among Selected Islamic Groups and Christian Denominations in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigerians attach so much importance to religion. In the light of the secular status of the country, there is so much emotional and spiritual attachment to faith adherence. Religion is highly inflammable with lots of destructive tendencies. Divergence in doctrinal and theological leanings is getting stronger by the day among same faith adherents and people from other faiths. It is a commonplace knowledge in social media recently for faithful of same religions to openly criticize certain doctrines and practices therein. This is not as much as doing it to other religions. Despite the avalanche of studies on religion, literature has been oblivious of intra and inter group religious conflict. Apart from personal injuries suffered in the criticism, it is as well capable of disturbing social harmony and peace currently being enjoyed in religious atmosphere in the country. It robbed on the integrity of famous preachers. This study was anchored on conflict theory of Simmel. The research design was exploratory. Qualitative data were purposely generated from print and electronic media (social and traditional). This was backed up by Key informant interviews (KIIs) and In-depth interviews (IDIs) generated through both Islamic and Christian preachers and worshippers in Osogbo, Iwo and Ikirun in Osun State. Fame seeking, misinterpretation and ignorance of the scripture were some of the reasons deduced. The study recommends the establishment of informal interdenominational regulatory system. Private ownership and commercialization of worship centres be discouraged. On the other hand, government should respect the secularity of Nigeria as enshrined in the constitution.