Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has harped on the need for religious tolerance among religious leaders in the country, saying that there is an urgent need for all religious leaders in Nigeria to be moderate in their beliefs.
Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has harped on the need for religious tolerance among religious leaders in the country, saying that there is an urgent need for all religious leaders in Nigeria to be moderate in their beliefs.
Iba Adams gave this charge while delivering his speech at 2023 Christmas Carol, organized by the office of Aare Onakakanfo in Lagos.
The event, which was its sixth edition, with the theme “God sent forth His only begotten son” from Galatians 4 verses 4–5.
Adams said God had been most gracious and generous to the world, adding, “And it is His infinite mercy and love for humanity that led to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
According to him, it is that special event that brought about the celebration of Christmas till today, describing Jesus Christ, born in the Middle East over 2000 years ago, as the son of the highest God and who has remained one of the most revered and celebrated beings in the world.
“In my desire to seek religious tolerance, peace, and unity across the world, I am using this opportunity to advance the cause of religious tolerance among the religious leaders in the country.
“We must imbibe the culture of religious tolerance in whatever we do as a people.
“Religion is a thing of the mind. There is an urgent need for all our religious leaders to be moderate in their beliefs,” he said.
The Yoruba generalissimo, while appealing, noted that God is very generous on the issue of religion, saying that people’s destiny is key to whatever faith they believe in life, adding: “Whether you are a Christian or a Muslim or a believer in the religion of our forebears, God is one and the Creator of all believers.”
This was just as he cited himself as a clear example of one born as a Muslim but growing up with his mother, who was a Christian, saying that notwithstanding the disparities in their religious beliefs, his father and mother lived peacefully as husband and wife and trained their children well, including himself.
“In my family, religion was never a barrier. That is why it is very easy for me to fulfil my destiny.
“As I stand before you today, my story is that of God’s abundant grace.
“That is why I hold strongly and dearly to my belief in the three religions—Islam, Christianity, and the religion of our forefathers.
“As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land and leader of the OPC, I am always in tune with the Muslims, the Christians, and the religion of our forebears,” Iba Adams said.
“By virtue of my position, it is my duty and responsibility to seek unity, peace, and tranquillity in Yoruba land and beyond, especially on the issue of religion.
“And in achieving this purpose, there is a need for us to preach the gospel of truth through religious liberalism,” he added.