Yoruba Muslim, Christian,Traditional leaders warn against religious extremists
By Samuel Ogunsona
Leaders from all three major religions in the Yoruba South West have warned against any form of religious extremism vowing to sustain the agelong tradition of tolerance and diversity in Yorubaland.
The Yoruba religious elders from traditional, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds met on Friday at the instance of the Government of Oyo State.
They promise to join forces to combat religious extremism and promote interfaith understanding in Yoruba land.
The meeting, attended by prominent leaders from the three religious groups, aimed to foster cooperation and tolerance in the face of growing religious tensions.
Speaking during the meeting, one of the Yoruba-Islamic clerics made a poignant statement, saying that Saudi Arabia wouldn’t welcome Yoruba Muslims solely based on shared faith if the Yoruba people themselves fail to maintain unity and stability in their own region.
“Saudi will not accommodate Yoruba Muslims on the basis of a common religion if Yorùbás destabilize it own region,” the clerics said in a joint position shared with Irohinoodua
The remark resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of self-preservation and regional harmony.
They promised to work together to halt any introduction of religious extremism in Yoruba territories.
The elders recognized the threat posed by religious extremism to the peace and stability of Yoruba land and emphasized the need for collective action to prevent its spread.
They cited the situation in Northern Nigeria, where the implementation of Sharia law has led to the marginalization of minority groups and the erosion of secular values, as an example of what they want to avoid.
Southwestern Nigeria has a long tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence, and the elders are determined to preserve this heritage. They emphasized that the region’s cultural and religious diversity is a strength and that any attempt to impose a single religious ideology would be resisted.
A joint committee is expected to be issued to monitor and address cases of religious extremism in Yoruba land.
This initiative serves as a model for interfaith cooperation and dialogue, promoting peace and stability in the region.
The meeting, organized by the Oyo state government, brought together prominent leaders from the three religious groups, including Baba Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Sheik Akewugbagold, and Sheik Oluhunlomerue.
Held on Friday in Oyo state, the meeting aimed to foster cooperation and tolerance in the face of growing religious tensions.
The elders recognized the threat posed by religious extremism to the peace and stability of Yoruba land and emphasized the need for collective action to prevent its spread.