Home State Ibadan Residents raise Alarm over Proliferation of Prayer Mountains

Ibadan Residents raise Alarm over Proliferation of Prayer Mountains

by Roving

Religious leaders and residents of Ibadan have analysed the perceived advantages and disadvantages of praying mountains and camps spreading across the town.

The proliferation, as found in both Christian and Islamic religions, is generating curiosity in the hearts of residents.

While some argued in favour of the development, others decried it, describing it as an abuse of the constitutional rights regarding the freedom of religious worship.

Other observers noted that the upsurge has no positive impact on societal value as evident in the increase of social vices, immorality and all forms of criminality in society.

For instance, not less than 20 of such centres are on Egbeda-Asejire Road, along the Ibadan-Ife highway.

A similar situation characterised the Moniya-Oyo Road, along the Ibadan-Oyo highway; Ologuneru-Eruwa Road; and Apata-Abeokuta Road amongst others.

A sociologist, Ibrahim Oladapo, attributed the situation to “partly economic hardship and unemployment facing millions of Nigerians who now seek miraculous breakthroughs.”

However, Oladapo, Proprietor of IDPO Educational Consultancy, said activities within the worship centres and payment of tax to the government by their owners, contribute to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“In addition, petty traders around the communities where prayer centres/camps are situated sell and make gains,” he said.

Chief Adebisi Awofolaju, a mechanised farmer at Olope Village, near the Coca-Cola plant, Asejire, expressed concern over the development.

According to Awofolaju, the 10 hectares of farmland leased to him about 15 years ago had just been sold to a popular pastor for prayer mountain use.

He said efforts to persuade the landowner to sell the land to him proved abortive as the pastor had already paid the owner twice what he was offering.

“I’m not against the idea of building churches but landowners shouldn’t give priority to pastors over those of us farming to feed our nation.

“I have tried to look elsewhere around here for another land to farm but there is no available land; all have been turned to prayer mountains,” he lamented.

On this development, the Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, said cautious steps and enlightenment must be taken.

According to him, if such actions are not taken, the effect will be detrimental to the faith and well-being of all.

He said while the accessibility of worshippers to the centres must be considered, the centres should not constitute a nuisance or disturbance to the peace of others by violating government and ethical regulations.

“Praying on the mountain is a Bible-based practice.

“Jesus prayed on the mountain and went to mountains with His disciples to pray. Prayer Mountain is a secluded place where one separates from distractions to meet and fellowship with God.

“The topography and geographical situation of the town Jesus lived was rocky and mountainous, so, whenever he needed a solitary and conducive environment to pray, he went alone to the mountainside without disturbing his disciples.

“Going to the mountain to pray is not mandatory or a criterion for God to answer prayers. What one should focus more on is the purpose behind going to the mountain.

“God can answer prayers anywhere at any time depending on one’s faith and background.

“People raised from physical mountain prayer consciousness will never see any other place as conducive to receiving from the Lord,” he said.

According to him, many see mountainous environments as good spiritual climates to receive God’s attention but this is not a subject of controversy in the Body of Christ.

“Judging from the various backgrounds of ministry, many can’t do without mountain prayers. In that case, we leave them to their faith.

“The truth, however, remains that God can hear and answer your prayers even in your bathroom, as long as it offers you the spiritual climate you need to seek the face of God.

“The first step to prayer is a renewed relationship with God.

“The first mountain is the mountain in our hearts. Our hearts must be right with God and be ready to worship in truth and spirit. We must understand that God is a Spirit and He only answers to the spirits of the faithful ones,” he said.

The Christian faith leader said motives behind the creation of the centres must be checked and the right questions asked to curb their negative impacts.

“Honestly, prayer and worship centres should not be distractive.”

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