Indigenes of Ibadan under the Omo Aj’orosun Club have held interfaith prayers seeking the safe release of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while also calling for improved security in Ibadan and across Nigeria.
The prayer session, held on Saturday as part of activities marking the club’s 46th anniversary, also focused on addressing rising insecurity in the ancient city and the country at large. Religious leaders from Christian, Islamic and traditional faiths participated in the programme.
The Christian prayers were led by Venerable Sammi Adetule of the Anglican Church of Ascension, Akobo, Ibadan, while Imam Saheed Odekunle, Chief Imam of Titilope Central Mosque, Airport, Alakia, led the Islamic prayers. Traditional rites were conducted by Dr Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode.
Speaking to journalists, the club’s President, Mogaji Kamaldeen Adeniyi Salaudeen, said the initiative was necessary due to ongoing security challenges and the need to remember the abducted students and teachers still in captivity. He stressed that the prayers were dedicated to their safe return, as well as to peace, protection and harmony in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria.
He added that although the club was celebrating its anniversary, the insecurity situation made it important to include prayers for victims of abduction. According to him, the interfaith approach reflected the urgency of the situation and continuous concern for those affected.
Dr Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode also noted that the prayers would contribute to peace, stability and harmony in Ibadan, Oyo State and beyond, adding that the club’s concern extends nationally and globally due to the widespread presence of Ibadan indigenes.
He further emphasised that prayers were offered not only for Ibadan and Oyo State, but also for peace and stability in Nigeria and across the world.