The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has said that Nigeria’s social, economic and political development will be in shambles without a solid moral base.
In his Eid-el-Fitr message, the Alaafin stated that the country’s problems were anchored in non-compliance with, or total neglect of, moral principles, leading to insecurity, fear, and barbarism.
He expressed concern that values such as honesty, integrity, good neighbourliness, and religious tolerance, which once defined Nigerian society, are now fading.
“The problems which besiege the country are anchored on non-compliance with or total neglect of moral principles, and these have led to the doldrums we are experiencing in our private and public lives,” he said.
The Alaafin advised Muslims to hold firmly to the directive of the festival, which emphasises absolute submission to the will of Almighty Allah, charity, and love for neighbours.
He noted that the various threats to security, corruption, and mistrust among ethnic and religious groups are a result of a lack of consciousness of ultimate accountability to God.
“What we need, as a nation, are sincere, concerted and sustained efforts towards propagating the kind of God-consciousness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim,” he said.
Alaafin prayed that Nigeria would overcome its challenges and experience lasting peace, prosperity, and glory.
