The ancient city of Iwo, Osun State Nigeria, recently witnessed a massive convergence of people in a prayer session for ailing President Muhamadu Buhari, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and other traditional rulers, which was organized by Iwo monarch, HRM Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi- The Oluwo of Iwo Land.
Here are the seven things that took place at the historic event:
Thousands of People converged in a prayer ground: The prayer session had in attendance over three thousand people diversified in religion, ethnicity, and geographical location. The large audience prayed together in the same venue and one prayer ground- The Palace of the Oluwo of Iwo. It can be recalled that this is one of the very few times this has happened in Nigeria.
Interdenominational prayer session
Christians, Muslims, Traditionalists prayed together in one voice: Christians, Muslims, and Traditionalists led by their various leaders prayed together in one voice for ailing President Muhamadu Buhari in addition to the large audience present at the Prayer ground. The clerics encompass leaders from different religious denomination, they include: Iwo CAN Chairman, Pastor Caleb Ayoola; Iwo Muslim Community leader, Chief Imam Sheik Abdulfatai Olododo; Leader of Iwo Traditionalists, Chief Ojetunde Ajibowu. These three during their speech advocated for peace and tolerance amongst religious groups emphasizing that there is only one God and one Nigeria.
Wife of Oy State SSG, Alhaja Alli who represented First Lady, Aisha Buhari
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa Attended the Prayer session: The landmark event was also graced with the attendance of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa being the chairman of the event and duly represented by another distinguished member of the House- Hon. Tunde Buraimoh.
Hon. Tunde Buraimoh and other lawmakers at the event
Many dignitaries in attendance: Over 70 other dignitaries were also physically present at the special prayer session. Few of them are: Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Barr Musa AbdulWasiu; Wife of the Oyo State SSG, Mrs Halimot Alli, who represented wife of the President- Aisha Buhari; Alhaji Daud Makanjuola, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland; Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Traditional Rulers, Members of NURTW and RTEAN, amongst others
Oluwo declares “Buhari is his Son”: Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi also at the event declared President Muhammadu Buhari as his son. He explained that God has made him a King and a Royal Father, therefore he serves as a father to every Nigerian. In his words, he said, “ Buhari is my son and I can never be happy if people should wish him dead. What kind of father will I be if I decide to join the league of Nigerians who want him dead?”
HRM Oba Rasheed Adewale Akanbi also declared his support for Buhari’s second term saying “He must rule for eight years” in good health and sound mind.
Oluwo praying for President Buhari and royal fathers present
Oluwo prayed to bear Buhari’s sickness: “Let Buhari’s sickness, pains, and sorrows, come to me” was a rare kind of prayer the Oluwo of Iwo, HRM Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi prayed which caught people’s attention during the special prayer session. The Iwo monarch said that it is the well being of Nigerian that is paramount to him, and if bearing Buhari’s sickness would guarantee good governance in Nigeria, so be it. Oluwo further stressed the prayer isn’t in anyway political as he would do the same for anyone occupying the seat of power.
Members of NURWT present
