The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has urged political leaders to adopt a practical and solution-oriented approach in addressing the numerous challenges facing the nation.
According to Oba Owoade, the progress and prosperity of the country hinge significantly on leaders and citizens demonstrating fairness, ethical integrity, accountability, dedication, selflessness, and transparency.
Delivering his message on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary through his Media and Publicity Director, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch emphasized the importance of harnessing the country’s rich diversity to prevent national disintegration.
He stressed, “We must evaluate our fellow Nigerians based on their character and values rather than their ethnic-bigot/” title=”Abike Dabiri-Erewa: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Unity Beyond … Divides”>ethnic backgrounds.”
Oba Owoade called on politicians to unite and engage in thoughtful dialogue to reach consensus on the critical issues affecting nation-building.
Highlighting Nigeria’s ethnic, regional, and religious plurality, he noted, “These differences should ideally be a foundation for unity, harmony, and integration; regrettably, they have often become sources of conflict, insecurity, and hindered development.”
The monarch reflected on the importance of cultural heritage, stating, “Every nation’s core values are rooted in its history and traditions, shaped by its unique journey since inception.”
He questioned, “Where have those cherished legacies gone? Why is the nation unraveling? How did our founding fathers manage regional governance effectively with internally sourced funds, while today’s governments, despite massive external borrowing, fail to improve citizens’ welfare?”
Oba Owoade pondered, “What went wrong? Are the persistent issues of insecurity and economic hardship beyond resolution?”
Recalling the Old Oyo Empire’s pioneering cabinet system and peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious groups, he urged Nigerians to honestly acknowledge that the nation’s foundational values-such as honesty, integrity, neighborliness, and religious tolerance-have largely faded.
The Alaafin warned against the selfishness and greed of some political elites who exploit ethnic and religious divisions to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.
He encouraged parents to instill in their children a lasting belief in the inherent goodness of ordinary Nigerians.
Furthermore, Oba Owoade advised young people to maintain strong connections with their cultural heritage, warning that a society disconnected from its traditions risks becoming like “a band of wild animals ravaging the forest.”
