Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has called on Muslim faithful to celebrate the Sallah festival in a peaceful manner.
The first class traditional ruler also urged them to thank the Almighty Allah for the grace received so far and pray for more of it in the land of the living.
The Olubadan made the call in a message as Islamic faithful in Ibadanland join their counterparts across the globe to celebrate this year’s annual Eid-el-Kabir festival.
Oba Balogun, in the message his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, said the lessons inherent in the festival bothers on peaceful co-existence.
He said it also had to do with absolute faith in Almighty Allah and that the conviction of the fact that He is capable of doing all things should be the focus.
The Olubadan said the celebration “is not an occasion for drunkenness and engaging in other untoward activities
“Rather, it is an occasion for every committed Muslim to reflect on their lives and how well have they been in faith, when the life Prophet Ibrahim is placed side-by-side their own lives.
“It is also an occasion to show love to our neighbours and acquaintances. People of other faiths, especially look forward to this occasion as much as the Islamic faithful, if not even more.
“We owe them our warm embrace by sharing with them the rams and other items of celebration as we may be endowed with.”
He also used the occasion to call for prayers for the country and most especially President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He asked Nigerians to pray for them for the grace and ability to pilot the affairs of the country successfully.
The traditional ruler noted that the steps taken so far by the Presidency has met people’s expectations and rekindled their hope for a better Nigeria.
“In the light of the high expectations of the citizens and the flashes of commitment, courage, ability and determination displayed so far, the duo need our prayers.
“They have shown that they are very well prepared for the task ahead and what they need from us is our sincere support through prayers and by being law-abiding.
“As Nigerians and especially my people in Ibadanland, I urge us all to avoid anything that could cause distraction for our leaders and the simplest way of doing this is to be law abiding.
“Let’s live peacefully and be focused. The emerging signs are that of hope that the hitherto prevailing challenges that had caused us to be despair and despondent are going to be addressed and soon consigned to dustbin of history.
“Let us support this hope with prayers,” the Olubadan charged further.
Oba Balogun equally prayed for a peaceful country and a more prosperous Oyo State under the watch of Governor Seyi Makinde.
He stated that the stance of the Oyo State helmsman on the issue of security since his inauguration for another term “is heart warming”.
He pleaded with the governor not to loose his guard, but to remain unperturbed and focused on his determination to give the state robust governance.
