The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has called on religious leaders to champion messages of peace, encourage ethno-religious tolerance, and embrace diverse perspectives as essential steps toward fostering lasting harmony and coexistence in Nigeria.
This appeal was made during a Sunday visit by Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Balalau, the National Chairman of Jama’at Izalat al Bid’a Wa Iqamat as Sunna (JIBWIS), who paid a courtesy call at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo, Oyo State.
Oba Owoade condemned the use of religion to incite hatred, labeling such behavior as detrimental. He emphasized the urgent need for faith leaders to promote genuine messages of friendship and heartfelt love among people.
According to a statement released on Monday by Bode Durojaye, the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, the monarch described these values as “the pathway to achieving peace and security for humanity.”
Highlighting that embracing salvation is a personal and voluntary choice, the Alaafin cautioned against using violence to convert others to faith.
“Neither the Holy Quran nor the Bible endorses force or violence as tools for spreading faith. Taking lives in the name of religion dishonors God’s will and will never earn His blessing,” he stressed.
“God desires that we offer love and the message of free and complete salvation to non-believers, not harm or death. Every Nigerian has a responsibility to nurture peace and harmonious living. Religion should never be a cause of violence or loss of life.”
“In a nation as diverse and populous as Nigeria, home to over 200 million people practicing Islam, Christianity, and African Traditional Religions, faith is more than a private matter-it profoundly influences our national identity, politics, culture, and economy,” the Alaafin remarked.
Oba Owoade praised Dr. Balalau for his unwavering dedication to peace through his sermons and teachings, describing him as “deeply devout.”
“I have heard much about your efforts, especially your advocacy for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. I had the privilege of witnessing your sermon at a senator’s wedding in Kaduna, which was both inspiring and commendable,” he added.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, the Alaafin pledged his full support and collaboration with the JIBWIS leader to advance unity, peace, and national progress.
In his remarks, Dr. Balalau, accompanied by members of JIBWIS’s National Executive Committee, expressed his joy at meeting the Alaafin in person.
“I feel truly honored and fortunate to be in the presence of a monarch whose reign is divinely inspired. Being close to him is a blessing filled with good fortune. The Alaafin is richly endowed by Allah,” he said.
Balalau encouraged the Alaafin to continually seek divine wisdom and knowledge in his leadership, assuring him that God will grant his sincere requests.
Recognizing leadership as a sacred trust, the Islamic scholar emphasized that the people’s loyalty stems from the ruler’s passion, integrity, and genuine commitment. He urged the monarch to govern with compassion and fairness.
Expressing heartfelt thanks for the warm reception, Balalau referred to the Alaafin as “a truly great monarch” and prayed for his good health, divine protection, and longevity, as well as for unity, peace, and prosperity for Oyo town, the state, and Nigeria at large.
