By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Prominent monarch, the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), has felicitated Christians all over the world, urging them to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ including love, forgiveness, provision for the needy, religious tolerance and peaceful co -existence.
A statement by his spokesman, Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade, noted that the Christmas message was given by the paramount ruler at his palace located at Oke Aremo, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, South-West Nigeria.
The statement read,in part: “Stressing the need to love one another, the monarch stated that lack of genuine love amongst citizens is the bane of our society and indeed the world.
“He stressed the need for a love of Christ-driven world which will eliminate all the vices and injustice at all levels pervading our society and man’s inhumanity to man across the world.
“Christmas is a season of love as it commemorates the birth of Christ in whom God showed his love for the world.
“My admonition in this season is for us to embrace love as a way of life for a better Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and the world at large.”
Oba Olakulehin used the festive period to enjoin the well-to-do in the society to remember the poor and vulnerable, encouraging the former to provide support in meeting the latter’s needs in the spirit of the season and beyond.
“Kabiyesi, in the Christmas message, appreciated the support of the Olubadan Advisory Council, Executive members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes(CCII) traditional title holders, Mogajis, Baales, palace staff and the entire indigenes and residents of Ibadanland, wishing them a merry Christmas and Happy New year in advance,” the statement noted.
