Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan

Prominent religious leaders drawn from Islamic, Christian and traditional faiths at the weekend declared a three-day fasting and prayers among their followers for quick resolve of the lingering crisis resulting from the review of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration instituted by Oyo State government.

Leaders of the three religions shortly after a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Mr Saliu Adetunji at his Popoyemoja's palace, said  they intended to break the truce between the monarch and Governor Abiola Ajimobi due to imminent crisis that may occur if the feud between the duo is not nipped in the bud.

Those present at the meeting held behind close doors for over two hours were representatives of Islamic religion led by Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria Oyo State branch, Mr Basiru Olanrewaju and Mr Daud Amao Alaga and Christian body led by Mr Samuel Abiara of Christ Apostolic Church and Mr Sunday Popoola of World Communications Ministry (WOCOM).  

Others were members of Traditional Religion Worshippers' Association in Oyo State led by Mr Fayemi Fakayode and Mrs Dasola Adefabi.

The leaders of the three faiths said they were in the palace to see the monarch, talk to him and to let the sleeping dog lie as they said that the meeting would not be only with the monarch but with the state governor any moment from now.

The delegation then promised to meet the state governor after the three days fasting and prayers and to also discuss how to resolve the matter as soon as possible.

Speaking with journalists on behalf of the delegation shortly after the meeting, Mr Popoola of WOCOM, said the delegation had urged members of their faith and other residents of the state and in Ibadan in particular to fast and pray for three days ‪starting on Monday‬.

Popoola noted that the fasting and prayers declared by the delegation on behalf of members of the three faiths were to ensure that the disagreement is resolved to avoid any impending crisis that may occur if not urgently resolved.

He noted that the fasting and prayers would ‪start on Monday‬ and ‪end on Wednesday‬.

He said: “We observed that there is some misunderstanding over the issue of the newly appointed Obas in Ibadan.

"We know it could degenerate into crisis. As religous leaders, Muslims and Christians and traditionalists, we have come to meet the Kabiyesi to appeal for peace.

“We also planned to see the governor. But what we have concluded today is to go and have three days more of fasting and prayers.

"Muslims should fast and pray Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Christians should fast and pray in all churches in Oyo State, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and after that, we will meet the governor.

"We believe we are the people that can resolve this matter, and God will see us through.

When asked if there are indications that the monarch may agree to allow the sleeping dog lie, Popoola said  he could not say anything concerning the mood of the monarch, stating that all relevant information would be made public after they conclude their assignment.

He said, "I am not going to speak on that now until we are able to meet the governor and done our prayers.  

He however said the meeting was meant to include only religious leaders noting that they decided not to include groups such as Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Mogajis (Family Heads) so as not to politicise the matter again.

"Yes because, we don't want to bring in politics into this, religious leaders only, we are neutral, we are not for governor, we are not for the Kabiyesi, we are for the people of Oyo State. And we want peace. That is all. So we don't want to bring in any one of them", he said.