A prominent Lagos bishop has stirred controversy by calling for a nationwide ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations, condemning the event as a deceptive ploy that promotes immorality and contradicts the true essence of love. Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, Ikeja, Lagos, made the declaration in a recent interview, arguing that the day has deviated from its original purpose of humanitarianism and has instead become a global avenue for promiscuity.
Bishop Ighele lamented that Valentine’s Day has been misinterpreted by many, particularly young people, as a day dedicated solely to romantic indulgence rather than an occasion to express genuine love through acts of kindness and charity. According to him, this transformation is not accidental but rather a well-orchestrated deception meant to corrupt society’s moral fabric.
“The day is associated with a romantic demon known as Cupid,” the bishop claimed, referencing the Roman and Greek mythological figures linked to love and desire. He pointed out that Cupid, also known as Eros in Greek mythology, represents erotic love, which he argued contradicts the godly principles of love as described in the Bible.
He cited Ephesians 6:11-12, emphasizing that spiritual forces of darkness use Valentine’s Day to institutionalize sexual immorality. “Cupid is one of the rulers of the darkness of this world, influencing people to set aside February 14 as a special day for indulgence in lust and perversion,” he asserted. He expressed concern that many young boys and girls, as well as married individuals, have fallen for what he describes as a satanic distortion of love, failing to recognize the deeper biblical meaning of agape love.
Bishop Ighele warned that the widespread celebration of Valentine’s Day is fueling moral decay among the youth, encouraging a culture of sexual permissiveness rather than fostering true, selfless love. “The Bible tells us that ‘God is love,’ and it is very certain that God will not want His type of love celebrated this way,” he added, calling for a shift in how love is demonstrated in society.
Beyond his religious concerns, the bishop urged Nigerian authorities to take decisive action by proscribing the celebration of Valentine’s Day. He argued that the government, in collaboration with religious institutions, schools, and families, must take responsibility for promoting moral values and curbing the influence of foreign traditions that he believes erode the nation’s ethical standards.
He further emphasized that allowing Valentine’s Day to persist in its current form is equivalent to endorsing moral laxity, which could have long-term consequences on the nation’s social fabric. “If we truly desire a morally upright society, we must be intentional about the values we allow to flourish,” he stated.
The bishop’s call for a ban on Valentine’s Day has sparked intense debate across Nigeria, with opinions sharply divided. While some religious leaders and conservative groups support his stance, advocating for a return to more traditional values, many young Nigerians and proponents of personal freedom argue that the celebration is a harmless expression of love and should not be criminalized.
For now, Valentine’s Day remains a widely celebrated event in Nigeria, with businesses, entertainment industries, and couples continuing to embrace the occasion with enthusiasm. However, Bishop Ighele’s remarks have reignited discussions on the cultural and moral implications of the day’s observance, raising important questions about its impact on society.
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