Religious leaders drawn from the Islamic, Christian and Traditional faiths in Oyo State at the weekend said they have declared a three-day fasting and prayers for the people of the state and Ibadan in particular over the face-off between the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.
The feud between the duo, according to them, if not urgently resolved, may degenerate into crisis of enormous proportion.
They, therefore, noted that for this to be quickly checked, Muslims, Christians and Traditionalists and other people of the state should endeavour to join them in observing a three-day fasting and prayer starting from today (Monday) and end on Wednesday.
Leaders of a delegation of the three religious faiths after meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji at his Popoyemoja’s palace at the weekend noted that they were intervening in order to avoid imminent crisis that may occur if the feud was not urgently nipped.
Present at the meeting held for over two hours behind close doors with the monarch were representatives of Islamic religion, led by the Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, Dr. Basiru Olanrewaju and Alhaji Daud Amao Alaga as well as Christian body led by Pastor Samuel Abiara of Christ Apostolic Church and Pastor Sunday Popoola of World Communication Ministry (WOCOM), Ibadan.
Others are members of Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association in the state led by Chief Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode and Surveyor Dasola Adefabi.
Also present are representatives of the Muslim Community, FOMWAN and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by Pastor B. O. Akanmu, among others.
They noted that they were in the palace to see the monarch, talk to him so as to let the sleeping dog lie.
The delegation also promised that after the three day of fasting and prayers, they would meet the governor in the same manner.
Pastor Sunday Popoola of WOCOM, who spoke with journalists on behalf of the delegation noted that the fasting and prayers declared by the delegation on behalf of members of the three faiths was to ensure that the crisis was resolved to avoid any impending crisis that may occur if not urgently resolved.
He noted that the fasting and prayers would start on Monday and end on Wednesday.
Popoola said “We have observed that there have been some misunderstanding over the issue of the newly appointed Obas in Ibadan.
“We know it could degenerate into crisis, so as religious leaders, both Muslims and Christians and traditionalists, we have come to meet the Kabiyesi to just appeal for peace.
“And we also plan to see the governor.
“But what we have concluded today is to go and have three days more of fasting and prayers.
“Muslims should fast and pray Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Christians should fast and pray in all churches in Oyo State, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and after that, we will meet the governor.
“And we believed we are the people that can resolve this matter, and by the grace of God we believed God will through us resolve the matter.”
When asked if there are indications that the monarch may agree to allow the sleeping dog lie, Popoola said that he cannot say anything concerning the mood of the monarch.
He, however, remarked that all relevant information would be make public after they conclude their assignment.
He said “We don’t want to speak on that now until we are able to meet the governor and we have done our prayers.”
Popoola, however, said that the meeting was meant to include only religious leaders noting that they decided not to include groups such as Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Mogajis (Family Heads) so as not to politicise the matter again.
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