In his Christmas and New Year message to the nation, the revered monarch described Christmas as a sacred period for deep reflection, gratitude to God for His immeasurable love to mankind, and the deliberate cultivation of goodwill towards one another.
According to the Alaafin, when the spirit of Christmas is genuinely internalised and practised, it possesses the power to heal broken relationships, transform governance, and usher in the Nigeria of collective dreams and aspirations.
“If we love with the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, governance would work seamlessly, electoral reforms would be easier to accomplish, and public funds would be judiciously utilised for the good of the larger number. Leadership would cherish the led, and the people would respond with trust and cooperation. This is the true essence of Christmas, which we commend to all Nigerians and indeed to all humanity”, he said.
The message, delivered through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, emphasised that the foundation of Christianity rests on sacrificial love. Oba Owoade noted that it was love, pure, selfless, and unconditional, that led Jesus Christ to the cross for the redemption of mankind.
“If His heart had not been overflowing with love, He could not have offered Himself as a sacrifice. At this critical time in our nation’s journey, we commend this same love to all citizens, love that considers others first, love that subordinates selfish desires, and love that seeks to emancipate, unshackle, and liberate”, the Alaafin said.
The traditional ruler further charged Nigerians to rise above apathy and divisive tendencies, stressing that love, sincerity of purpose, patriotism, and a sense of commitment remain potent tools against internecine killings, violent agitations, and other threats to national cohesion. He called on Christians to exemplify these virtues in their daily conduct and, through genuine character, inspire non-Christians to imbibe the same values.
On governance, the Alaafin observed that recent strides in transparency, accountability, and good governance are rekindling hope among Nigerians, despite what he described as subterranean efforts by some elements to discredit the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Until recently, the absence of transparency, probity, and accountability translated into a leadership deficit. President Tinubu’s victory was a victory of hope and transformation, signalling the dawn of a new democratic order where corruption, abuse of power, deceit, and impunity will no longer be tolerated”, he noted.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to democratic ideals since the return to constitutional governance in 1999, the Alaafin expressed confidence that Nigeria would once again enthrone the values of responsible and accountable leadership.
The monarch offered prayers for divine guidance and protection for President Tinubu and all Nigerians, expressing firm belief that the President’s integrity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to positive change would endure throughout his tenure, to the benefit of the nation at large.
