The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and the traditional ruler of Ibadanland, Lekan Balogun n Monday called on Nigerians to shun every form of divisiveness in religious practice
They both made the call during the Easter Picnic on April 18, 2022 which was organised by the Palace Chaplain, Reverend Olusoji Adediji, at the Alarere residence of the monarch in Ibadan, the state’s capital.
The Special Assistant to Governor Makinde on Inter-Faith Affairs, Zacheaus Olufemi Ibikunle, who represented the Governor said; “It is through love for one another, irrespective of mode of worship, that humans could truly enjoy the love of the main servants of God.
“For the first time in the history of Oyo State, the office of Inter-Faith was created by Governor Seyi Makinde and I became the pioneer officer in charge to demonstrate the open-mindedness of the governor on religious matters. By the grace of Almighty God, I can say without fear of contradiction that there cannot be religious crisis in the state.
“The present administration in the state is passionately committed to its growth, progress and development in every facet of human endeavour as can be attested to in the various projects being executed across the nooks and crannies of the state and could not be bogged down by religious acrimony.“
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Lekan Balogun, in his brief remark, rejoiced with the Christian community over the celebration of this year’s Easter festivity and said the coincidence of the two major religions’ annual fasting period was an important lesson on the oneness of religions and God, who created heaven and earth.
“There’s need for all adherents of different faiths to live and work harmoniously towards the growth, progress and development of our country. It is incontrovertible that our God is only one, not minding whatever names we call Him. So, why do we have to fight one another because of Him if we are genuine and sincere in our professing of Him?”
In his short sermon, the guest minister, Reverend Amos Adediran, dwelled on the single text read from the book of John15:12-22 and disclosed that it was the loss of love that led to the myriad of problems confronting the country, charging all leaders in all areas of life to embrace love as the only antidote to the problems being encountered in the nation.
”The Easter celebration being held is a demonstration of the greatest love of God for mankind and it is a charge to us all, irrespective of religion, which is only a mode of worship, to share that virtue of unconditional love for one another for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive society.”
The organizer of the programme and Palace Chaplain, Rev. Adediji, said the programme was organised to rejoice with the traditional monarch, being his first Easter celebration on the throne and to pray for him for long life, sound health and wisdom, as well as understanding with which to direct Ibadan affairs.
PIAK
