Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has harped on the need for religious tolerance among religious leaders in the country, saying that there was an urgent need for all religious leaders in Nigeria to be moderate in their beliefs.
Iba Adams gave this charge while delivering his Christmas Carol Speech 2023, the sixth edition, which took place Wednesday night at Oodua House Hall, 14 Ezekiel Street, off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking on the topic “God sent forth His only begotten son” from Galatians 4 verses 4–5, Adams said God had been most gracious and generous to the world, adding, “And it is His infinite mercy and love for humanity that led to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
According to him, it is that special event that brought about the celebration of Christmas till today, describing Jesus Christ, born in the Middle East over 2000 years ago, as the son of the most high God and who has remained one of the most revered and celebrated beings in the world.
“In my desire to seek religious tolerance, peace, and unity across the world, I am using this opportunity to advance the cause of religious tolerance among the religious leaders in the country.
“We must imbibe the culture of religious tolerance in whatever we do as a people.
“Religion is a thing of the mind. There is an urgent need for all our religious leaders to be moderate in their beliefs,” he said.
The Yoruba generalissimo, while appealing, noted that God is very generous on the issue of religion, saying that people’s destiny is key to whatever faith they believe in life, adding: “Whether you are a Christian or a Muslim or a believer in the religion of our forebears, God is one and the Creator of all believers.”
This was just as he cited himself as a clear example of one born as a Muslim but growing up with his mother, who was a Christian, saying that notwithstanding the disparities in their religious beliefs, his father and mother lived peacefully as husband and wife and trained their children well, including himself.
“In my family, religion was never a barrier. That is why it is very easy for me to fulfil my destiny.
“As I stand before you today, my story is that of God’s abundant grace.
“That is why I hold strongly and dearly to my belief in the three religions—Islam, Christianity, and the religion of our forefathers.
“As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land and leader of the OPC, I am always in tune with the Muslims, the Christians, and the religion of our forebears,” Iba Adams said.
“By virtue of my position, it is my duty and responsibility to seek unity, peace, and tranquillity in Yoruba land and beyond, especially on the issue of religion.
“And in achieving this purpose, there is a need for us to preach the gospel of truth through religious liberalism,” he added.
Speaking further, Iba Adams noted that the issue of religion all over the world was very sensitive and key to the growth of humanity, observing that religion appeals to the soul and the spirit, which, however, had also been the bane of war across the world.
According to the Yoruba generalissimo, the present war raging between Israel and Palestine is an example of how religion and land issues can be used as a dangerous tool for global threat and disunity, leading to an unfortunate war and the deaths of many innocent people.
“I wouldn’t want to go into the details of the causes of the war between Israel and Palestine, but the fact remains that the war is very much rooted in religion and land issues.
“And that had started a very long time ago in 1921 and became more pronounced in 1948, when Israel was established, and there had always been war and conflicts between the two countries.
“In view of the various agonies, pains, and disunity caused by war across the world, I believe strongly that there’s no alternative to peace,” he declared.
“It is also my belief that we can achieve peace through religious tolerance. And we can achieve unity when the whole world is peaceful.
“That is the essence of my message today as we celebrate Christmas Carol and as we go into the new year,” he added.
On the current economic hardship ravaging the country, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land urged the citizens to seek the face of God and be hopeful, saying that they should remain steadfast in their belief that the birth of Jesus Christ was for a purpose “to set the world free from the bondage of life.”
Adams appreciated all members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) for their loyalty and commitment to the cause of the Yoruba race, expressing hope that the group “shall continue to sustain the ideals of the Yoruba race as we spread the gospel of the most high God to the world.”
He described the office of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land as a big brand in the traditional institution, adding that the office had done well in its efforts to protect the religious institution positively, recalling quickly that OPC, under his leadership, usually celebrates with the Muslims as it “organises Ramadan lectures and shares important moments with our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
How I helped Peter Obi overcome impeachment plot as Anambra governor — Sowore
Self-styled human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has revealed an age-long secret about Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in…
Yuletides: Low-key Christmas looms as poultry birds price rise than last years’
In less than 10 days to Christmas, the price of poultry birds in Ibadan is projected to be higher than last year mostly because of…
Comedian Mark Angel apologises over Emanuella’s viral dance video
Nigerian comedian Mark Angel has issued an apology following the circulation of a viral video featuring his…
A 35-year-old suspect, Akeem, who was arrested by detectives in Ogun State Police Command after…
Top 13 facts about Buhari at 81
As he marks his 81st birthday on Sunday December 17th, roughly six months after the completion of his two terms as…
CAF crowns Nigeria’s Osimhen African Player of the Year
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been crowned the African Player of the Year 2023 by the Confederation of…
and then