The General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, Ikeja, Lagos State, Bishop Charles Ighele, has called for a nationwide ban on the celebration of Valentine’s Day, citing its perceived encouragement of immorality.
In an exclusive interview with newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday, Ighele argued that the day, originally meant to promote humanitarian acts and charity, has been distorted into a celebration of romantic relationships and illicit activities.
“The day has been misconstrued, shifting focus from agape love to the promotion of romance and sexual indulgence,” the cleric said. “Unfortunately, many boys, girls, and even married people have bought into this lie, disregarding the biblical definition of true love.”
Ighele further described Valentine’s Day as a “deception from the devil”, asserting that it is linked to a “romantic demon” known as Cupid, which he identified as one of the rulers of darkness mentioned in Ephesians 6:11-12.
“Cupid is the Roman name for the Greek god of love, Eros, from which the word ‘erotic’ originates. The celebration of this day arouses sexual desires and promotes immoral entertainment, further institutionalizing sexual perversion,” he added.
He urged the government, religious institutions, schools, and families to work together in fostering moral values among the youth and preventing the spread of unhealthy cultural influences.
“Banning the celebration of Valentine’s Day would redeem people from destruction,” Ighele emphasized.
Valentine’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Saint Valentine. Over time, it has evolved into a global celebration of romance and love. However, some countries have chosen to prohibit its observance due to religious and cultural beliefs.
Despite not being a public holiday, Valentine’s Day remains widely recognized in various parts of the world, including within the Catholic Church.
The bishop’s stance has sparked discussions on whether the commercialized celebration aligns with traditional and religious values, with some supporting his call for a ban while others defend the day’s significance as a symbol of love.
Would a Valentine’s Day ban shape moral standards in Nigeria, or is it an unnecessary restriction on personal expression? The debate continues.
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