The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has admonished Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of tolerance, understanding and good neighbourliness as the baseline of transforming the country, heal relationships, and engendering envisaged polity.
Oba Owoade also called for rededication, not only to the Creator, but also to the cause of mankind, appreciation of the gift of life and contentment.
The newly crowned monarch, while speaking in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, stated that total submission to the will and command of Allah symbolises genuine obedience, which is the basic essence of the festival.
More importantly, he said, it was a period that calls for caring for the less privileged in the society.
“If we sincerely love in our hearts, governance would work, electoral reforms would be easier to accomplish, funds would be judiciously utilised for the good of the larger number, and leadership would love and cherish the led. That is the essence of the festival, which I recommend to all Nigerians, indeed, to all humanity, at this time.
“Love that considers others first, prefers others above personal and selfish desires, and which seeks to emancipate, unshackle and liberate,’’ he said.
The Alaafin added that the timing of the festival this year could not have been more auspicious, in view of the state of the economy with all the attendant implications for millions of Nigerians.
“What that suggests is that the socio-economic condition of most Nigerians this year makes it compelling for adherents of Islam to look beyond themselves and their immediate environment, especially in this holy season
“The lessons of Eid-el-Fitri are simple – by paying attention to the plight of the poor, we invariably place the welfare of our neighbours as important as ours; by allowing others to partake of our wealth or material possessions, we honour the One [God] who made the provision in the first place”, he added
This, the paramount ruler asserted to be at the heart of all religions, but a virtue that was particularly at the heart of this festival.
“It is important not to lose sight of the true meaning of this special occasion and the spirit of sacrifice it represents.
“With millions of our compatriots now refugees in their own country, the significance of Eid-el-Fitr this year cannot be over-emphasised.
“The occasion should therefore go beyond merrymaking to sharing love and material possessions, not only with relatives or acquaintances, but also with the displaced, the elderly, the orphans and other people at the margin of the society, including those with special needs,” Oba Owoade stressed.
He further called on Nigerians on the need to embrace and support charitable causes.
