Alaafin urges tolerance, mutual respect, devotion during Ramadan
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has emphasized that national unity rests on mutual trust, understanding, and cultivating friendly, brotherly, and sisterly relations, underpinned by shared values and aspirations.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has emphasized that national unity rests on mutual trust, understanding, and cultivating friendly, brotherly, and sisterly relations, underpinned by shared values and aspirations.
Oba Owoade noted that unity is best achieved through tolerance and respect for differing opinions, ethnicities, religions, and communal identities.
Speaking at the Central Mosque in Oyo after the Jumu’at service, he also called on Muslims to observe Ramadan with sincere devotion, highlighting the sacred month as a pillar of Islam that encourages piety, spiritual renewal, and self-discipline, according to a statement released by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.
He said, "National unity can only be predicated on mutual trust and understanding, reciprocal friendly, brotherly, sisterly relations, as well as shared interests, values, and aspirations.
"National unity would only best be promoted through tolerance and accommodation of each other’s differences, opinions, ethnic, religious, and communal identities."
"In a country as diverse as Nigeria — over 200 million people, 500 languages, more than 200 ethnic groups, and three major religions—the search for national unity is not just a noble aspiration; it is a strategic necessity for nation-building, deepening democracy, and unlocking sustainable development.
"True unity demands deliberate trust-building and reconciliation. It cannot be achieved without confronting, and where possible correcting, those wrongs that continue to shape relationships between communities and the country", the monarch stated.
Speaking on the imperative of Ramadan, the monarch said, the holy month marks the revelation of the Qur’an, providing a time to maximize rewards through prayer, fasting, and charity while strengthening one's relationship with Allah.
"Additionally, fasting helps Muslims develop self-control and mindfulness, as they are constantly reminded of their dependence on God. It is a practice that strengthens their willpower, as they refrain from life’s basic pleasures to focus on spiritual matters.
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"Muslims believe that through fasting, they cleanse themselves of impurities and grow closer to Allah by sincerely dedicating themselves to worship, reflection, and prayer.
"In other words, during Ramadan, Muslims engage in a variety of religious practices to enhance their faith. This includes extra prayers, such as the Taraweeh prayers, which are held every night during the month. These prayers, offered after the Isha (night) prayer, are an important way to draw closer to Allah, as they involve reciting portions of the Quran", the statement read in part.
The Alaafin further pointed out that one of the most significant aspects of Ramadan is the emphasis on charity, where Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need, noting that many view this as a way to purify their wealth and earn Allah’s blessings.
The Jumaat service was led by the Chief Imam of Oyo Kingdom, Alhaji Bilaal Oseni Akinola.
Thereafter. Alaafin paid an unscheduled visit to the ancient ultra-modern market, Akesan, where hundreds of market traders trooped out to ventilate their excitement at the visit of their Monarch.
Oba Owoade was also at the ancient Palace, where he danced to the traditional gbedu drum.
