Alaafin harps on imperative of religious conventions, says unity is greatest strength, asset of any society

Alaafin harps on imperative of religious conventions, says unity is greatest strength, asset of any society 

The Alaafin , Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has said that unity remains one of the greatest strength and asset of the people of any community, state and Nigeria despite their ethnic, religious, and cultural differences.

Speaking  at the SHAFAUDEEN International Mosque  2026 Annual Convention held in  Ibadan , the Oyo State Capital, Oba Owoade noted that religious conventions and institutions play a significant role in national stability by acting as foundational pillars for social order, moral guidance, and community cohesion.

The annual international convention was organised by the founder and spiritual leader of SHAFAUDEEN Worldwide, Wakajaiye Ibadan, Professor Engr Sabit Ariyo Olagoke who happened to be a lecturer for His Imperial Majesty Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. 

 These gatherings and the institutions behind them, he stated, promote shared values, mitigate social conflicts, and often bridge gaps in service provision, particularly in developing or transitional states.

 According to him, ""religious institutions serve as agents of socialization that foster community identity and harmony among diverse groups. They bring people together, encouraging cooperation, trust, and a shared sense of purpose.

""By fostering values such as honesty, integrity, and discipline, religious conventions help shape individual conduct, which reduces crime and strengthens social order.

Conflict Mediation and Peacebuilding: 

""Religious leaders and organizations frequently act as mediators in conflicts, utilizing their moral authority to promote reconciliation. They are often more trusted in fragile states than political leaders, making them effective agents for peace Religious tolerance and stability fostered by these groups create an environment that attracts investment and promotes economic growth"".

In many societies, the Alaafin pointed out that, religious institutions provide a framework for legitimacy and social stability by endorsing principles that resonate with the population, such as justice and equity.

""While having the potential to strengthen stability, religious conventions can also become points of contention if they fuel extremism, intolerance, or the politicization of faith. When religious differences are exploited for political purposes, they can lead to insecurity and hinder national development.

""To ensure that religious conventions enhance rather than disrupt stability, it is important to: promote understanding and reduce, prejudice,, and mistrust between different religious communities, build strategic partnerships between religious institutions and government bodies for development,  and emphasize universal moral principles that promote peace, justice, and service over divisive doctrines.  

Alaafin's extempore address was interjected with rounds of applause by delegates at the  convention  who were impressed by the Paramount Ruler's intellectual sagacity. 

Conclusively, Alaafin  highlights the significant impact of religious tolerance on a nation’s development, saying it is instrumental in driving progress and prosperity by fostering unity, social cohesion, and a harmonious environment within diverse societies.

He emphasized that embracing religious diversity and promoting respect for different faiths strengthens social bonds and encourages innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. 

"" This inclusive approach unlocks the potential of all citizens, leading to a thriving environment conducive to national development"".

By Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and Superior Head of Yorubaland.