As Muslims mark Eid-el-Fitr, prominent traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, have called for peace, national unity, and religious tolerance in the country.
Sultan calls for unity, support for leaders
Speaking on Sunday at his palace shortly after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, the Sultan of Sokoto emphasized the need for Nigerians to remain united, pray for their leaders, and support efforts toward national growth.
“As a nation, we must continue to pray for peace, stability, and the well-being of our leaders. Without unity and support, meaningful progress becomes difficult,” he said.
Addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, the Sultan urged citizens to offer fervent prayers for the nation’s stability while commending security forces for their unwavering efforts.
He, however, called for constructive criticism of leaders rather than baseless attacks.
“Our leaders are trying their best, and while we must hold them accountable, it should be done with respect and sincerity, not unwarranted condemnation,” he added.
He concluded by urging Muslims to uphold the “values of charity, patience, and discipline” imbibed during Ramadan and to work towards a more “peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.”
Olubadan: Shun religious bigotry, hatred
In a separate message, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin, urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to promote peace, harmony, and religious tolerance.
In his Sallah message, the monarch advised Muslims to sustain the virtues of repentance, forgiveness, charity, and peaceful coexistence learned during Ramadan.
“Sustain the lessons learned during the 30 fasting days, which include repentance, forgiveness, charity, and peaceful co-existence with fellow beings,” he said.
He further stressed the need for strict adherence to the injunctions of Islam as contained in the Holy Quran, adding that religious intolerance and discrimination should have no place in the country.
“Let me emphasize the need to live in peace and harmony and shun religious bigotry, hatred, intolerance, discrimination, and fanaticism,” the Olubadan stated.
He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and continue their good deeds beyond the fasting period.
Edo killing: Oluwo condemns jungle justice
Similarly, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, condemned the recent killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, while advocating for a Nigeria where all ethnic groups coexist peacefully.
The victims were reportedly lynched by vigilantes who mistook them for criminals despite their claims of being legitimate hunters.
Commenting on the incident after observing his Eid prayers, the Oluwo described the act as barbaric and unjustified, stressing that every Nigerian should be safe anywhere in the country, irrespective of ethnicity or religion.
“I condemn the jungle justice on the Fulani hunters in its entirety. They are Nigerians, and Nigerians should be protected at all times, anywhere,” he declared.
He emphasized the need for national unity, stating that ethnic and religious identities should not divide Nigerians.
“Nigerians should be free to live anywhere without fear of intimidation and harassment. An Igbo man should be able to live in the North in peace, and vice versa. Any Sokoto man living in Iwo, I am their Sultan.
“The Sultan of Sokoto should be the Oluwo to any Iwo son living in Sokoto. A Kano man living in Iwo, I am his Emir, while I am the Awujale of any Ijebu man living in Iwo,” he stated.
Oba Akanbi also prayed for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging Muslims to maintain the spirit of Ramadan beyond the holy month.
Edo killing: Emir Sañusi warns against retaliation
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sañusi II, has warned the youth in the State against acts of retaliation, reminding them that revenge is strictly forbidden in Islam.
The monarch gave the warning during the Eid prayer sermon at the Kano Eid ground, Kofar Mata in Kano, on Sunday.
The Eid prayer was attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, his entourage, and a large gathering of Muslim faithful.
Sañusi emphasized the importance of justice in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
He said, “This matter must not be allowed to go unpunished. Justice must be done to prevent further escalation and ensure lasting peace.”
The Emir extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, urging them to seek redress through lawful and peaceful means.
He reminded the grieving families that justice can only be achieved through proper legal channels.
