No amount of provocations will make us undermine peace in Ogbomoso – CAN
Jeremiah OYELEKE
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogbomoso zone, Oyo state, has assured no amount of provocations (from any quarters) will make them embark on actions that will ignite break down of law and order in the community asserting that only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility can there be progress and development.
This was the reaction of the chairman of CAN in Ogbomoso zone, Rev’d Moses Adewale Adegbola, while responding to questions from ogbomosoinsightonline.com after the monthly prayer programme at the palace of Ogbomoso on Sunday.
This position echoed by other Christian leaders emphasized that neither are Christians undermining any religion nor taking steps to subvert peace.
Recall that recently the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Toliat Ayilara, accused Christians of being behind the crisis rocking Islam in the town and are undermining his position just as he had harsh words for Muslim leaders he alleged are relating with the perceived enemies of Islam.
Many had anticipated a flurry of reactions from CAN taking exceptions to the accusation but it has been mum.
However, when approached at the palace programme on Sunday, Ogbomoso Insight had a glimpse of the position of the body.
Rev’d Moses Adegbola, zonal CAN chairman, said, “We know nothing about the accusation because they can’t be holding worship service in the mosque and Christians will go there to disturb them or disrupt the programme, it will be abominable, so, we don’t know how that is so, we know nothing about the accusation but we don’t need to go into that.”
But he continued, “We Christians stand for peace, we do not want a crisis, and we Christians are seriously praying on this matter, that there should not be a crisis, and we are not ready to respond to any provocation because we are seeking peace. We have told all pastors to refrain from exchanging words with any religious leader or follower, we have no problem with neither Muslims nor traditionalists. We are for the peace of Ogbomosoland.”
He consequently urged the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, who hosted the prayer programme, to remain calm in the face of provocation as an elder.
“As an elder, Kabiyesi should see himself as so, and as our fathers say an elder is like a dumpsite. He should realize he is sitting in the position of an elder, we appreciate him however that he has been acting so, demonstrated by his silence, not causing trouble, refusing to drawn into battle, all which ensures peace and tranquility reign in the town.
“My advice for His Majesty is that he should persist in that line for peace to continue to reign. God has granted him grace for perseverance, he should exercise more patience, everything will be resolved soonest and there will be peace. So, my advice is for more calmness.”
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The palace programme featured various sessions including prayer, praises, exhortation and goodwill messages. Aside from the Soun, Aale of Okelerin, Oba Samuel Babatunde Amao, traditional chiefs and Baales also attended.
Evangelist Doyin Olayiwola, founder and lead pastor of Great Grace Christian Church, Apake, Ogbomoso, recounted, “We sang praises to God, there was exhortation, prayer for the progress of Ogbomoso for new glory and progress. Kabiyesi also spoke, he charged on peace, noting only in peace will there be progress and development we expect for the town.
Evangelist Olayiwola subsequently offered advice for the people as per the programme, “This programme will come once in a month, third Sunday. We should endeavour to join when it is held, then, in our separate churches we should endeavour to pray for the peace and progress of the town, and for long life for Kabiyesi and other traditional rulers.”
Also, Venerable Dr J.S. Adegoke, a former zonal CAN chairman, remarked, “Kabiyesi is happy with the event, and so urged us to persist with the programme. He asserted that prayer puts him on the throne and is what will sustain him, that the progress and development of Ogbomoso is assured as long as we can pray. He urged people to continue to toe the path of prayer.”
