Prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and government representatives gathered in Osogbo, Osun State, to promote harmony and justice at a major public da’wah programme themed “Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and Peace Among Kings on the Throne in Nigeria.”
The well-attended event, hosted by the Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organisations of Nigeria (FASON), featured the West Africa President of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, who urged Nigerians to refrain from abusing clerics, traditional rulers, and political leaders on social media and other platforms. According to him, all leaders hold their positions by divine will, and respecting them conforms with the principles of peace and faith.
Dr. Lau emphasised the importance of unity in diversity, the oneness of God, and the mutual need for cooperation between religious leaders and monarchs. “The kings need the scholars and the scholars need the kings,” he said, stressing that mutual respect is critical for national peace and development.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Kayode Abdulrasheed Aderibigbe, lauded the gathering as timely and significant. He called on Nigerians to pray for peace and progress in Osun State and across the country. “For any meaningful development to take place, there must be peace and tranquillity,” he said.
Also speaking, Shaykh Isa Akindele, National Vice President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, decried the growing injustice in society and called for urgent reforms. “There cannot be peace without justice,” he declared, urging government officials and citizens to uphold fairness and equity to reduce social vices and restore order.
Traditional rulers who graced the occasion included the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Abdulazeez Olatubosun; Alawo of Awo, Oba AbdulRasaq Taiwo Adegboye; and several other Yoruba kings, reflecting the strong support of traditional institutions for religious harmony.
Oba Akanbi, in his message, encouraged Nigerian youths to become actively involved in politics, reminding them that they are the nation’s future and must help shape its destiny.
Other notable participants included former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola (represented); Professor Muslih Yahaya of MUSWEN; Chief Imams of Ogbomoso and the University of Abuja; and several respected Islamic scholars and community leaders.
