The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, has described former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Christians in Nigeria are facing genocide as incorrect and capable of creating tension in the country.

Speaking at his Iga-Idungan palace on Lagos Island on Sunday, Oba Akiolu urged international leaders to verify facts before making public statements about Nigeria’s religious and security situation.

“The report used by the U.S. President was not properly verified and does not represent the reality in Nigeria,” he said.

“Christians and Muslims are one in Nigeria. He should take time to gather correct intelligence information.”

Oba Akiolu noted that while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, the violence is not targeted at any specific religious group. He emphasized that Christians and Muslims have coexisted in shared communities for decades.

The monarch warned that inaccurate statements from influential figures could damage Nigeria’s international image and worsen interfaith and ethnic tensions, particularly during a period of economic and security reforms.

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He also called on Nigerians to maintain unity across all faiths to strengthen the country’s stability and development.

The statement follows Trump’s labeling of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians, a claim the Nigerian government has also rejected as inaccurate.