Soun offers prayer for Nigeria on Christmas, thanks subjects for Cradles Carnival's success

Soun offers prayer for Nigeria on Christmas, thanks subjects for Cradles Carnival’s success

Yinka ADETUNJI

Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye has joined Nigerians in the celebration of 2025 Christmas praying Nigeria, Oyo state and Ogbomosoland will witness enduring peace.

The traditional ruler in a special Christmas message, the third of his reign, signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Community Relations Rev’d Peter Olaleye, urged renewed commitment to the virtues of love, faith, hope, humility, and compassion.

He also expressed his excitement at the successful completion of the 2025 Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival praising the commitment and cooperation of all indigenes.

He appealed to all to strengthen their relationship with God and to always care for the less-priviliged in the true spirit of love.

“I join every descendant of Ogbomosoland across the world in celebrating this year’s Christmas, the sacred commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This holy season calls us to sober reflection on God’s immeasurable love for mankind and the divine purpose of Christ’s birth to bring salvation, peace, and reconciliation between God and humanity. It is a time to renew our commitment to the enduring virtues of love, faith, hope, humility, and compassion.

“I give thanks to Almighty God for His unfailing guidance and support since I ascended the throne of my forebears, and for the unity and cooperation of the people of Ogbomosoland. I am deeply grateful for the success of the recently concluded Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival 2025, which stood as a powerful celebration of our rich heritage, cultural identity, development and peaceful coexistence. The collective spirit displayed during the celebration reflects the strength and promise of our land.

“Dear Sons and Daughters, Christmas reminds us of our shared responsibility to pursue peace, unity, and mutual respect as a people. It calls us to strengthen our relationship with God through gratitude and love, and to express these values in how we relate with one another, showing love to everyone and the less privileged.

“On this joyous occasion, I offer prayers for the peace of our nation, Nigeria; the peace of Oyo State; and most importantly, the enduring peace, unity, and prosperity of Ogbomosoland across its five LGAs. I pray that God will guide every leader and our people, prosper your endeavours, and grant you all the grace to always be the head and not the tail. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

“Sí gbogbo ọmọ Ogbomoso nílé àti lókè òkun a kú ayọ̀ ọdún Kérésìmesì.”