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By Lukman Olabiyi
Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has harped on the need for tolerance among religious leaders in the country, urging them to be moderate in their beliefs. He gave this charge while deliv ring his speech at 2023 Christmas Carol, organised by the office of Aare Onakakanfo in Lagos.
The event, which was its sixth edition, had as theme “God sent forth His only begotten son.”
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 most high God and who has remained one of the most revered and celebrated beings in the world.
“Religion is a thing of the mind. There is an urgent need for all our religious leaders to be moderate in their beliefs. “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.” He described himself as a product of a home noted for its religious tolerance, having been born by a Muslim father and a Christian mother. He said notwithstanding the disparities in their religious beliefs, his father and mother lived peacefully as husband and wife and trained their children well, including himself.
“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.
“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.
