Nigeria Must Not Allow Religious Differences to Become War — Ewenla

…As Yoruba Leader Urges Muslims, Christians, Traditional Worshippers to Embrace Peace

The Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Dr. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has called on Nigerians to prevent religious differences from degenerating into religious conflict, saying the country has suffered enough from insecurity, division and violence.

Ewenla, in a statement, urged Muslims, Christians and adherents of indigenous religions to respect one another and avoid actions capable of threatening peaceful coexistence in the country.

He said religion should not be allowed to overshadow education, technology, scientific advancement, economic development and other areas critical to national progress.

According to him, Nigeria needs to encourage its younger generation to pursue fields such as science, engineering, medicine, technology, artificial intelligence and innovation while also preserving indigenous languages, traditions, history and cultural values.

The Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo also called on religious leaders to speak out against extremism and public statements capable of encouraging violence.

He stressed that nobody should be above the law because of religion, position or influence, adding that statements capable of threatening public peace should be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

Ewenla further condemned the use of religion to justify the killing of innocent people, urging Islamic scholars and other religious leaders to openly distance their faiths from individuals who perpetrate violence in their name.

He said religious leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, tolerance and respect for human life rather than remain silent when extremists invoke religion to justify violence.

On traditional institutions, Ewenla urged Nigerians to respect indigenous titles and avoid redefining traditional institutions through religious or cultural systems that are different from their historical origins.

He particularly stressed that an Emir should be addressed as an Emir, while an Oba should be addressed as an Oba, noting that traditional titles carry historical and cultural significance.

Ewenla said comparing different traditional institutions in a manner that diminishes their distinct identities was disrespectful, adding that the Ooni of Ife and other Yoruba traditional rulers have unique historical and cultural positions that should be respected.

He, however, called for mutual respect among Nigeria’s various ethnic and cultural groups, stressing that respect for one’s own culture should not translate into disrespect for the traditions of others.

The Yoruba leader also warned against allowing religion to make Africans reject their indigenous languages, food, clothing, history and cultural heritage.

He urged parents and educators to raise children who are knowledgeable in modern science and technology while also understanding their history, language and cultural identity.

Ewenla said Yorubaland has a long history of religious coexistence and must not allow religious extremism, political manipulation or irresponsible rhetoric to destroy the relationship between Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers.

He therefore called for greater investment in education, technology, economic development, security, job creation, infrastructure and scientific advancement.

Ewenla said Nigerians must reject religious hatred and embrace peace, cultural respect, modern education and national development.

“We don’t want religious war in Nigeria. We don’t want religious war in Yorubaland,” he stressed.