Alaafin Urges Nigerians To Embrace Unity Despite Ethnic, Religious Differences

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has urged Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence despite their ethnic, cultural and religious differences.

The monarch made the call on Saturday in Oyo during the commissioning of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Building and a fundraising ceremony for the construction of the Imam Daud Igi-Ogun Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a source of strength rather than a basis for division.

Oba Owoade urged Nigerians to reject negative stereotypes and work towards building a country where ethnic, cultural and religious differences are recognised as integral parts of the nation’s collective identity.

He said, “Accord, acceptance and understanding are necessary to counter conflictual division. Every so often, the camaraderie of Nigerians is tested by the very diversity that defines us.”

The monarch stressed that unity in diversity requires citizens to accommodate both agreement and disagreement while seeking common ground and preventing differences from degenerating into hostility.

According to him, unity should not be mistaken for uniformity, just as diversity should not lead to fragmentation.

The Alaafin also called for greater collaboration among religious leaders, government institutions and civil society organisations to promote peace, social welfare and national development.

He said religious institutions had important roles to play in peacebuilding and addressing social challenges, particularly poverty and inequality.

Oba Owoade further appealed to wealthy Nigerians to dedicate part of their resources to supporting vulnerable members of society, noting that religious institutions remained important sources of hope and assistance for people facing difficult circumstances.

He commended the founder of the institute, Sheikh Daud Igi-Ogun, for his efforts towards promoting peace, religious education and community development.

Speaking at the event, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke described unity in diversity as essential to peaceful coexistence, national stability and collective progress.

Adeleke also commended the Alaafin for his efforts towards promoting peace and stability in Yorubaland.

In his remarks, Sheikh Igi-Ogun said religious education could contribute significantly to peace, moral discipline and the overall development of society.