Yoruba religious elders unite against religious extremism, vows to promote secular value

December 28, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

Yoruba religious elders from traditional, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds have come together to find common ground on how to address and tackle religious extremism threatening Yoruba land and its people.

The meeting, which was attended by prominent leaders from the three religious groups, aimed to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation in the face of growing religious tensions.

The elders acknowledged that religious extremism poses a significant threat to the peace and stability of Yoruba land, and emphasized the need for collective action to prevent its spread.

The situation in Northern Nigeria, where Sharia law has been implemented in several states, was cited as an example of what Southwestern Nigeria wants to avoid.

The elders noted that the imposition of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria has led to the marginalization of minority groups and the erosion of secular values.

Southwestern Nigeria has a long tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence, and the elders were determined to preserve this heritage.

They emphasized that the region’s cultural and religious diversity is a strength, and that any attempt to impose a single religious ideology would be resisted.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to work together to promote interfaith understanding, tolerance, and cooperation. The elders also agreed to establish a joint committee to monitor and address cases of religious extremism in Yoruba land.

The initiative has been hailed as a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in the region, and serves as a model for interfaith cooperation and dialogue.