Ojude Oba: Saraki seeks unity, religious tolerance among Nigerians

SENATE President, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, said Nigerians should not allow religion to create any barrier amongst them for peaceful coexistence and one united country.

Saraki said this in his address at the 2018 Ojude Oba Festival, held at the Jubilee Pavilion of Awujale Court, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, that the lessons of unity drawn from the festival should be the watchword of every citizen of the country.

He noted that the festival which had its origin from Islam had remained a unifying factor for people of different faiths to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the people.

Speaking on the theme of the festival “Celebration of Rich Cultural Heritage”, the Waziri of Ilorin, said the festival of over hundred years, had continued to promote and reinforce the culture of the people.

“Ojude Oba is a festival that unites the faiths, despite its origin in Islam, the festival does not exclude any religious groups.

“Ojude Oba fosters unity among all Ijebu people, and this is another way in which we as a nation could take a lead from this festival. This festival provides a platform for the Ijebus to meet, interact and showcase their cultural heritage, we also know the significance of the festival goes much deeper.

“Unity is paramount; unity is key. When we are united, we achieve more. When we are united, we record monumental progress. I urge us all, therefore, to pursue more activities that will unite our various people’s,” he added.

The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, bemoaned the unwholesome attitude of some unscrupulous elements who wanted to disrupt the event for political reasons.

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The monarch said the festival of over a century is apolitical, insisting that the Festival which had been listed among notable festivals in the country had come to stay.

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was conspicuously absent at the festival.

However, the state delegation was led by his deputy, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi Ishola.

On the entourage of Saraki were Senators Ben Bruce, Biodun Olujinmi, Duro Faseyi, Sam Anyanwu, Rafiu Ibrahim, Dino Melaye, Shaba Lagos/Ogun, Buruji Kashamu, the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad and Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola.