Could Valentine’s Day be more dangerous than romantic? A prominent Nigerian cleric, Bishop Charles Ighele, thinks so.
The General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission in Ikeja, Lagos, is calling for a ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria, warning that the day has been hijacked by immorality and deception.
“A Universal Day of Immorality”
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bishop Ighele argued that Valentine’s Day has strayed far from its original purpose of promoting charity and humanitarian work.
“This is no longer about love—this is a carefully crafted deception to normalize immorality worldwide,” Ighele declared.
He linked the day to Cupid, the Roman god of love, whom he described as a romantic demon and ruler of darkness, citing Ephesians 6:11-12.
“The word erotic comes from Eros, the Greek version of Cupid. This day is meant to arouse sexual desires and institutionalize immorality,” he warned.
A Call for Government Action
Bishop Ighele urged Nigerian authorities to ban Valentine’s Day, stating that the youth are being misled into reckless behavior under the guise of love.
“The government, schools, and churches must unite to restore moral values and shield young people from destruction,” he insisted.
A Global Debate: Love or Corruption?
Valentine’s Day, originally a Christian feast honoring Saint Valentine, has evolved into a global celebration of love and romance. However, several countries have banned or restricted it, citing religious and moral concerns.
With Bishop Ighele now calling for Nigeria to follow suit, the big question remains: Is Valentine’s Day truly about love, or has it become something more sinister?