By Seyifunmi Odunuga
A renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Buhari Omo Musa and the Managing Director of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, have advocated for religion tolerance among Nigerians irrespective of their belief and ethnic affiliations for peaceful coexistence.
The duo made the call at the weekend, during the maiden edition of Ramadan lecture organised by the gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in March 18th elections in Ogun state, Ambassador Oguntoyinbo, through his NGO, Ajadi Movement, held at Coco Samba Industry, Torotoro Quarters, Ibafo, Ogun state.
Ajadi also used the occasion to launch multi-million naira musical Instruments for the benefits of upcoming musicians at the avoidable and subsidising rate.
Prominent politicians present at the event include the South western states Public Relations Officer of the NNPP, Comrade Kilamuwaye Badmus and Ogun state Public Relations Officer of the party, Comrade Olowu Olayemi Omokehinde.
Some of the Islamic musicians and artists that grace the event packaged by Sodiq Adewunmi popularly known as Oba Theatre included Alhaji Saoty Arewa, Alhaja Misturah Aderonmu Ajasa (Temi Ni Success), Femo Lancaster, Fila King, Tope Indomie, Ogo Agbaye, Malik Okiki, Irawo Omonuabi, Simple, Ciro and MC Babalabule Ijoba Oro and host of others.
Buhari Omo Musa, while delivering his sermon, said there might be little difference in the doctrine of Islamic and Christianity but both pray and worship same God, hence, the need to tolerate one another for peaceful coexistence in the country.
The renowned Islamic preacher noted that religious sentiment has eaten deep into the society which is not in the best interest of the country, urging Nigerians to continue to pray for the peaceful coexistence, love and unity of the country, which has almost eluded the country due to personal and political gains.
He then appealed to political leaders in the country at various levels to keep working for continued peace, unity and progress of the country, arguing that, “no one can lead without a united and peaceful country”.
Also speaking to journalists at the event, Ajadi, a Christian and frontline politician in Ogun state, said he organised the Ramadan lecture to demostrate one of the leadership trait of not being sentimental about religion.
The MD of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited and NNPP guber candidate in Ogun state, disclosed that he had lived most of his life with Muslims to the extent that the love accorded him, made him to learn Arabic study.
He said, “But of recent even within religions you will see that we have factions. We should not allow religion to disintegrate us instead of uniting us, religion should not be an instrument of disintegration but of harmony and peace, religion is given to man by God for our edification and not otherwise.
“We really need to pray for our dear country. Years back this country was not like this. Now people for their personal or political gains have decided to tour along religious line which is dangerous and really sad. I am a Christian, lived with Muslims, I attended Quranic school, we never knew differences in religion.
“We were together and play together. Your best friend could be a Christian if you are a Muslim or Muslim if you are a Christian. Even we have both religious as members of same family, so we need to tolerate each other for the betterment of this entity call Nigeria.”
