By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Ikorodu BRT Terminal was abuzz with controversy last Friday as a popular evangelist implored married couples to unconditionally yield their bodies to each other and pray together. The evangelist, who is known for preaching on different topical social issues, focused on the topic of married life, which attracted mixed reactions from women among passengers and traders who felt his true life sermons were targeted at them.
In his sermon, he urged married women to ensure they are neat, well-groomed, and to yield their bodies to their husbands when the need arises. He quoted from 1 Corinthians 7, stating that sexual immorality is occurring, and each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. He emphasized that women should not deprive their husbands of their marital duty except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time.
He also advised women to care and love their husbands, give them their best food, help them to massage their bodies, and do other things that will keep them satisfied. He added that men do not like infidelity as long as their wives are available for them.
However, the evangelist’s sermon drew mixed reactions from female passengers and traders, who expressed that no matter how satisfied some men are with their wives, they will still indulge in extra-marital affairs. They implored the preacher to counsel the men to also be responsible and responsive in their duties.
The evangelist’s reference to women as weaker vessels and created only for reproduction and home front upkeep, citing the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that his wife belongs to his kitchen, living room, and the other room, drew criticism from some female passengers and traders.
While some male passengers laughed and applauded the preacher’s words, the evangelist’s message on marriage and submission has sparked a debate on gender roles and expectations within marriages.