The Vice-chairman of the Oyo Council of Obas and Chiefs and Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, has called on religious leaders to contribute actively to nation-building.
Oba Alao made this statement while receiving the leadership of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement “Ayo Ni O,” led by Baba Aladura Prophet Emmanuel Abiodun Alogbo, at his Orile Igbon palace in Surulere Local Government on Thursday.
The monarch expressed concern that many religious leaders in the country have abandoned their spiritual duties in pursuit of materialism. He emphasised that religious leaders share part of the blame for the various crises affecting the nation.
Oba Alao noted that 95% of Nigerian leaders, both religious and political, are spiritually compromised and urged clerics to return to their sacred callings by following the teachings of the scriptures.
According to him, “The religious leaders have failed the country. Carnality has taken over spirituality. Our religious leaders can no longer speak the truth to those in authority because their minds have been corrupted. Most of the so-called General Overseers (G.O.) are corrupt and perverted. To them, soul-winning is not as important as the drive for ill-gotten wealth.”
He further stressed that both religious leaders and traditional rulers must remember they will be held accountable for their stewardship on the last day.
“The prayers of sinners are an abomination before God, hence the need for our leaders to rethink,” he added.
Oba Alao also highlighted the temporary nature of power, reminding leaders that their positions will eventually be occupied by others.
“I am a traditional ruler. I don’t belong, and will never belong, to any occultic groups,” he affirmed.
In response to the requests made by the visiting religious organisation, the monarch assured them of his support. “Your requests are aimed at the development of the Orile Igbon community. I am assuring you that necessary assistance will be provided in this regard.”
Earlier, the Baba Aladura had sought the monarch’s partnership in the establishment of several community projects, including a women and youth empowerment centre, clean drinking water initiatives, a bakery, animal production facilities, and farm produce processing.
Other proposed projects include a diagnostic and medical centre, a standard full-size recreation sports centre, and an elderly home care facility.
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