The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, has called for religious tolerance, urging Muslims and the general public to accept one another despite differences in beliefs and religious understanding.
Speaking at his palace during a food distribution program for people fasting in Ramadan, the monarch stressed that religion should unite rather than divide people.
He condemned the habit of criticizing those who do not share the same religious views, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through love and acceptance.
“We must always accept ourselves, no matter how we understand our beliefs and religion,” he said.
“Criticizing those who do not hold the same belief as us only creates division, and that is not what Islam teaches. We all serve the same Almighty Allah, and our focus should be on love, unity, and peace.”
The Olowu urged Muslims to use the Ramadan period for reflection, promoting values of kindness and respect instead of condemnation.
Also speaking at the event, former SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, emphasized the significance of Ramadan, calling for kindness and support for those who might struggle to observe the fast.
“Whatever prayers, whatever atonement, whatever relief we seek from God will be multiplied by 100. That is why we go around the country encouraging our Muslim brothers and sisters to be steadfast this month and to support those who might have difficulties in observing the fast,” Adebayo said.
He noted that similar initiatives were ongoing in Nasarawa, Adamawa, and Katsina states, stressing that tolerance and peaceful coexistence, as preached by the Olowu, are essential in a diverse society like Nigeria.
“Islam can be practiced in Yorubaland peacefully in coexistence with other religions, and so also, it is possible all over Nigeria,” he added.
Addressing the rising food crisis in Nigeria, Adebayo urged the government to take immediate action, emphasizing that no citizen should go hungry in a country with abundant resources.
“What we advise the government to do is to fear God. If you are a president, governor, minister, commissioner, senator, or representative, the same stomach you have is the same stomach an ordinary person has. If you eat well in your house, you should ensure no government policy renders people hungry and destitute,” he said.
He blamed the current hardships on government policies and urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of the masses. Despite the difficulties, he encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope in democracy, stressing the power of the ballot to elect leaders committed to fighting poverty and insecurity.
The event saw the distribution of essential food items to numerous beneficiaries, reinforcing the Olowu’s commitment to community welfare during the holy month of Ramadan.
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