Despite cultural and religious differences, unity is the greatest strength of society: Alaafin

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, said at the weekend that unity remains the greatest strength of any society, despite cultural and religious differences.

Oba Owoade said this while commissioning the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola building and raising funds for the construction of the Imam Daud Igi Ogun Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Oyo.

The royal father stressed that strengthening collaboration between religious leaders, government institutions and civil society can strengthen faith-based contributions to national development, fostering inclusive and ethical governance.

Oba Owoade added that religious institutions, enjoyed by communities, are key partners in promoting climate action, social welfare and peacebuilding, adding that the integration of religious teachings with modern development frameworks helps address poverty, environmental challenges and social inequality.

While stating that promoting unity in diversity should be a key feature for a country like Nigeria, which has rich ethnic and tribal diversity, the Alaafin noted that “agreement, acceptance and understanding are necessary to counteract division in conflicts”.