Ooni: Caution Oluwo against ‘unpleasant’ remarks, Ekiti monarch tells Osun govt

The Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Akinwande Ogundana, has appealed to the Osun State government and other stakeholders to caution the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Adewale, against making unpleasant and derogatory statements.

The traditional ruler, in a statement by his principal secretary, Prince Fagbewesa Oluwole, on Tuesday, said the activities of Oba Adewale in recent times constituted a threat to the peaceful coexistence of the people in the region.

Onikoyi added that Oluwo’s recent remarks against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, were condemnable, noting that the Ooni’s stool should be respected by all, including other traditional rulers.

He said, “Oluwo should be called to order to stop making derogatory remarks that are detrimental and inimical to the revered Royal stool of Ooni of Ife and any other religious institutions as recognized and enshrined in the country’s constitution.

“The Kabiyesi reminded the Oluwo that before the colonial era, Nigeria was inhabited by various ethnic groups, each with its own culture, language, and religion.

“The pre-colonial era was characterized by a high degree of religious diversity and tolerance among the different ethnic groups. There was no concept of a state religion or a secular state in pre-colonial Nigeria.

“Religion was mainly a personal matter, and each group had its own religious institutions and authorities. There were also cases of inter-religious harmony. For example, some Muslim rulers employed Christian advisers and diplomats, while some Christian kings adopted Islamic titles and practices. Some traditional rulers also patronized both Islamic and Christian schools and scholars.

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“The first constitution of Nigeria was adopted in 1960 and was based on the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. The constitution declared Nigeria to be a sovereign state but did not explicitly mention secularism or state religion.

“However, it guaranteed the right to freedom of religion and conscience for all citizens and prohibited discrimination on grounds of religion, which Oba Abdul-Rasheed is now promoting.

“The constitution also reiterates the right to freedom of religion and conscience for all citizens and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

“The constitution also maintains the provision for Sharia courts of appeal in states that desire them but limits their jurisdiction to matters relating to Islamic personal law.

“We pray for peace and prosperity in Yoruba land, Nigeria, and the world in general.”

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