The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria as they commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, the occasion marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
In a goodwill message shared on his Instagram handle, the Ooni called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the enduring values associated with the occasion, particularly kindness, humility, justice, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
The monarch prayed that the celebration would bring renewed peace, love, compassion and spiritual reflection to Muslim families and communities across the country.
He noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity of faiths, cultures and traditions, stressing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering a united and prosperous nation.
According to the Ooni, the virtues reflected in the life and teachings associated with Prophet Muhammad remain relevant to the task of building a harmonious society where every citizen is respected and valued.
“As a people of diverse faiths and traditions, we are reminded by this occasion of the enduring values of kindness, humility, justice, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity,” the monarch said.
“These virtues remain essential to building a united, prosperous and harmonious Nigeria where every citizen is respected and valued.”
Ooni Ogunwusi further used the occasion to call for stronger bonds of brotherhood among Nigerians, urging citizens to embrace greater understanding and peaceful relations across religious, cultural and community lines.
He prayed that the blessings of Eid-el-Maulud would inspire Nigerians to work towards a more peaceful and cohesive society while bringing prosperity and abundant blessings to the nation.
“May the blessings of this special occasion strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Nigerians, inspire greater understanding across our communities, and bring peace, prosperity and abundant blessings to our beloved nation,” he said.
The Ooni also wished Muslim communities across Nigeria a joyous and spiritually fulfilling celebration, as he joined other leaders and well-wishers in commemorating the significant occasion.
His message reinforces his longstanding advocacy for peaceful coexistence, national unity and harmonious relations among Nigerians of different faiths and traditions.
Eid-el-Maulud is observed by Muslims as a period of remembrance and reflection on the life, character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, with messages of peace, compassion, tolerance and service often forming a central part of commemorations.
The Ooni’s call for Nigerians to embrace these values comes as religious and traditional leaders continue to emphasise the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in strengthening the country.
He concluded by wishing Muslim faithful across Nigeria a blessed Eid-el-Maulud celebration and praying for lasting peace, prosperity and divine blessings for Nigeria.