Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land visits CAN leadership, advocates religious harmony

A renewed call for religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and sustained interfaith collaboration resonated across Oyo Land as the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, paid a historic goodwill visit to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo Zone.

The visit, described by religious leaders as symbolic and timely, was part of ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening unity and mutual understanding between the Muslim and Christian communities in Oyo Land.

Held in an atmosphere of warmth, brotherhood, and mutual respect, the meeting brought together prominent Christian leaders across the Oyo Zone under the leadership of the Zonal Chairman of CAN, Pastor Amos Kehinde Eguntola.

Discussions during the engagement focused on the need for continuous cooperation between adherents of the two major religions in promoting peace, religious tolerance, communal stability, and sustainable development within Oyo Land and beyond.

Speaking during the visit, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu stressed that both Islam and Christianity are religions founded on peace, love, and harmony.

He noted that religious leaders have a sacred responsibility to guide their followers toward unity and peaceful coexistence rather than division.

According to him, the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in Oyo Land must be protected and strengthened through deliberate collaboration among religious leaders and stakeholders.

He further emphasized that unity among faith leaders would significantly contribute to societal growth, moral development among youths, and lasting communal stability.

The Grand Chief Imam also expressed appreciation to the leadership of CAN for the warm reception accorded to him and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between Muslims and Christians.

Responding on behalf of the Christian community, the Zonal Chairman of CAN, Pastor Amos Kehinde Eguntola, described the visit as a commendable and historic step toward deepening the long-standing peaceful relationship between Christians and Muslims in Oyo Land.

He assured the visiting Islamic leadership of CAN’s readiness to continue working hand in hand with all stakeholders in advancing peace, unity, and societal progress.

Pastor Eguntola noted that religious harmony remains essential for community development and national stability, stressing that both faiths must continue to preach tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect among their followers.

The meeting was attended by several notable Christian leaders within the Oyo Zone, including Pastor Gbenga Oluokun, Chairman of CAN in Oyo West Local Government; Rev. Dr. Peter Ajao, Chairman of CAN in Afijio Local Government; Snr. Sup. Ap. Wale Oyedemi, Chairman of CAN in Oyo East Local Government; Gen. Evang. Ebasekore, Chairman of CAN in Atiba Local Government; Rev. Akin Alabi, former Zonal CAN Chairman; and Rev. Dr. Idowu David O., Secretary of Oyo Zonal CAN.

As part of activities marking the visit, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu took a personal photograph with the Zonal CAN Chairman, while a group photograph was also taken with CAN chairmen from various local governments in the zone to commemorate the occasion and symbolize the unity and cooperation shared among the religious leaders.

Observers described the meeting as another major milestone in the collective efforts of Muslim and Christian leaders in Oyo Land to strengthen peaceful coexistence and foster religious tolerance irrespective of faith affiliation.

The visit further underscored the shared determination of both religious communities to continue promoting harmony, mutual respect, and development across Oyo Land.