Ooni Rejoices with Muslims, Cautions against Crimes, Hate Speeches

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria and the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting which climaxed with the celebrations of the Eid El fitr, urging faithful to emulate Prophet Mohammed who remains an embodiment of the tenets of Quran and principles of Ramadan.

 In a statement signed by Moses Olafare, his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni also expressed displeasure over the sacrilegious attitude of some Muslims especially those in position of monarchical authority and government who during or after Ramadan, adamantly refuse to desist from ungodly acts of crimes, including selfishness, theft, arrogance, animosity, hatred, provocative speeches and other things forbidden by the Ramadan.

 According to him, “God is perfect; he made Ramadan the most precious month in the Islamic calendar(Hijri) and made it obligatory for the Muslims to fast throughout the month with a view to purifying them and making them useful to Him and the society, especially those in the position of leadership-traditional rulers, Clergymen, politicians and Public office holders.

 “It is thus unfortunate that several people who are supposed to always be guided by the tenets of the Quran and principles of Ramadan only observe the fasting as fun, as they, during or after the Eid El fitr, adamantly engage in ungodly acts like falsehood, arrogance, malice, unforgivingness, theft, fraud, unnecessary enmity, baseless hatred and provocative speeches capable of jeopardising our peaceful coexistence as a people regardless of religion and culture.”

 The statement which reads in parts emphasised the importance of Ramadan and Eid El fitr as periods when Muslims are encouraged to forgive and forget their differences or animosities that may have occurred before the holy month, reminding Muslims that Ramadan is also the month of the Quran.

 “Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is a month that teaches us how to love, make peace, be generous and disciplined. Above all, the Quran was first revealed during this month, so it is the month of the Quran, therefore, disobedience to the teaching  of Ramadan is disobedience to the Holy Quran,” he stated.
Ooni, in the concluding part of the statement, prayed for President Mammadu Buhari’s health recovery and admonished Nigerians to always support the government with prayers.