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As adherents of the Islamic faith across the world celebrate Eid-el-Adha, recognised as the feast of sacrifice, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin, has congratulated the muslim ummah.
The recently nominated 43rd Olubadan urged the muslim community to pray for peace and prosperity of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria during the festival, popularly referred to as “Odun Ileya” in Yoruba land.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan by the monarch’s son, Prince Olasunmbo Owolabi-Olakuleyin, the monarch emphasised the importance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and urged muslims to emulate the prophet’s worthy and exemplary conduct, especially at this critical period of “our nationhood.”
“The festival of Eid-el-Adha widely celebrated as the feast of sacrifice is is a time for muslims to mirror the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim in their lives. We, therefore, need to use this festive period to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of our nation with a firm resolve to continue to keep the aspirations of our nation to greatness alive.
“I, therefore, wish our muslim brothers and sisters in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria a joyous and peaceful celebration of this significant event, imploring them to continue to live peacefully according to the tenets of the Islamic faith.
“This is a very critical period in our journey as a nation. The patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim serves as a strong pointer for us all to hold on fervently to faith in God in all situations and circumstances,” he said.
The monarch also congratulated Nigerians on the celebration of the nation’s 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy, emphasising the need for continued sacrifice at all levels for the development of the country.