The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has advocated the need for Clerics and other preachers to keep their sermons within the realm of moderation and modesty.
In his Ramadan message, Oba Adeyemi pointed out that all religious communities must understand that there is no alternative to inter-faith dialogue, as there can never be a universal religion or an exclusive society for adherents of a particular religion.
While calling on Muslims in the country to see the period of Ramadan as abstinence from sins and all acts inimical to peace and development in the country, Oba Adeyemi counseled all religious communities to educate their leaders or preachers on the need for religious harmony and the toleration of other faiths.
He admonished Nigerians not to perceive religious diversity as a barrier to human relations and development, but rather a tool or resource for national development. The royal father noted that religious faithfuls in the country should, therefore, realise the fact that religious tolerance and harmony are both legally sanctioned and socially inevitable, as the world can never be composed of one religion or culture.
‘’This desirable scenario of religious harmony can be achieved in Nigeria only through the establishment and sustenance of a neo-religious educational praxis that would generate a culture and orientation of multi-religiosity in our children and youth, as well as a commensurate programme of re-orientation of the adult population. Hitherto, the dominant model of religious education in Nigeria has been faith-oriented and overwhelmed by religious indoctrination and dogma.”
