By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, has lauded Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu for his significant step in commemorating Iseese Day and designating Monday as a public holiday. The esteemed monarch expressed his appreciation during a series of events marking his 3rd Coronation Anniversary, coinciding with Iseese Day celebrations.
In a candid conversation held at his palace, Oba Oladega, as the guardian of cultural heritage and traditions, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the official recognition bestowed upon adherents of traditional beliefs. Speaking primarily in Yoruba dialect, he extended gratitude to Governor Sanwoolu and members of the Lagos House of Assembly for heeding the custodians’ call for an Iseese Holiday, akin to holidays observed by followers of other religions.
“We are very happy in the first place. You will observe that when we began our traditional rites, after giving thanks to Eledumare, I emphasized the need to thank our Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwoolu and the Lagos House of Assembly members. The reason for this gratitude is because we celebrated Iseese Day last year and we beseeched God for a more joyous edition the following year. True to our hopes, this year’s celebration was indeed joyous. The Governor’s involvement in making it joyous is worth commending. He listened to our demands as custodians of culture and traditions, and he granted us our request,” shared the monarch.
Reflecting on the ongoing conflicts among adherents of different religions, Oba Oladega passionately advocated for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He pointed out that a lack of understanding often fuels animosity between individuals of diverse faiths. The monarch underscored that prior to the advent of other religions, long-standing beliefs were already in existence, asserting that no religion should impede upon another.
“It is humanity that creates these unnecessary conflicts. The philosophy of ‘live and let live’ should prevail. There should be no room for strife. If we look at China, most of the phones we use are from there, and they don’t worship any other religion apart from their own. We, who have embraced foreign religions, haven’t erred in doing so. Nevertheless, we should refrain from disturbing one another. Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional beliefs should worship in accordance with their beliefs. There is one God and the same prayers; religion shouldn’t be a catalyst for discord,” admonished Oba Oladega.
Highlighting a pivotal moment in the seven-day traditional rites that commenced earlier, the monarch offered special prayers at his palace for Governor Sanwoolu and his newly appointed cabinet, as well as for the Lagos State House of Assembly and the entirety of Nigeria. He also included prayers for President Bola Tinubu and Mayor Dele Oshinowo of Agboyi Ketu LCDA, wishing for the progressive administration’s continuous success and the flourishing of relations between the council and Agboyi Town.
The climax of Oba Oladega’s 3rd Coronation Anniversary celebrations included expressions of gratitude at Agboyi 1 Central Mosque, followed by a closing Thanksgiving service at St. Barnabas Church Agboyi on August 27 at noon.
