Alaafin urges Nigerians to embrace unity despite ethnic, religious differences
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity despite their ethnic, cultural and religious differences, saying diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
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.
According to a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin urged Nigerians to reject negative stereotypes and work towards building a country where ethnic, cultural and religious differences are recognised as part of the nation’s collective identity.
“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 said.
Oba Owoade said unity in diversity required citizens to accept both agreement and disagreement while seeking common ground without allowing differences to degenerate into hostility. He stressed that unity should not be mistaken for uniformity, just as diversity should not result in fragmentation.
The Alaafin also called for stronger collaboration among religious leaders, government institutions and civil society organisations, saying religious institutions could contribute to national development through peacebuilding, social welfare and efforts to tackle poverty and inequality.
He further urged wealthy Nigerians to devote part of their resources to supporting vulnerable people, noting that religion remained an important source of hope and assistance for people facing difficult circumstances. He also commended the founder of the institute, Sheikh Daud Igi-Ogun, for his peaceful and developmental initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke described unity in diversity as essential to peaceful coexistence, national stability and collective progress. He commended the Alaafin for his efforts towards promoting peace and stability in Yorubaland. In his remarks, Sheikh Igi-Ogun said religious education could contribute to peace, moral integrity and societal development.
