A renowned renowned Islamic preacher, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold, has urged Nigerians to rise above religious rivalries and embrace peaceful coexistence.
The cleric made this call during the first-ever World Headdress Day, held at the Single Tennis Court, Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Sheikh Akeugbagold emphasized the importance of mutual respect among religious groups, describing Islam as a religion of peace. “Allah deliberately allows all religions to exist,” he said.
“If He had preferred only one religion, He wouldn’t have permitted others. For God to allow different religions, He definitely has His reasons,” he added.
Akeugbagold further enjoined Nigerians, particularly Yoruba people, to reconnect with their cultural heritage, warning that abandoning one’s traditions could lead to unforeseen calamities.
Dr. Samuel Kayode Olaleye, from the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan, highlighted the multifaceted significance of headdresses in Yorùbá culture.
Represented by Taiwo Fatosin Awosola, Dr. Olaleye explained that Yorùbá headdresses are more than adornments, serving spiritual, social, and even medical purposes.
“In Yorubaland, a husband’s cap placed on the head of a struggling pregnant woman can facilitate safe delivery,” he said, suggesting that scientific research could harness such practices for global benefit. Dr. Olaleye also noted the potential for innovations in areas like medicine and warfare.
The event, organized by the Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio-Cultural Initiative (OYASI) under the leadership of its chairman, Ọlawale Ajao, celebrated the cultural and spiritual essence of headdresses. Ajao called on UNESCO to endorse the celebration and declare an official global day for headdresses, emphasizing the shared significance of headwear across cultures.
In his goodwill message, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Ọlatunbọsun, representing Governor Seyi Makinde, pledged the state’s support for the initiative. “Yorùbás, and people of other cultures, should leverage their natural endowments for global recognition and benefit,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event included the Ọnpetu of Ìjẹ́rùland, Ọba Sunday Oyediran; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police’s representative, CP Ayọdele Ṣónúbì; Chairperson of the event, Mrs. Deborah Adefunke Awoyale, CEO of Deborah Adefunke Nigeria Ltd; and Mrs. Taiwo Adedayọ, Managing Director of Aláròyé Newspapers and Online TV.
Also present were Alhaja Iswat Ameringun, Iyálójà of Ìbàdànland; former NUJ Oyo State Secretary, Mr. Bola Ogunlayi; Africa’s most famous twins, Ambassadors Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye; Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye led by Erelu Ajibola Adewumi; and representatives of the New Oodua People’s Congress and Agbẹkọya.
In his welcome address, Ajao hinted at expanding the scope of subsequent celebrations to explore the significance of headdresses across other cultures worldwide.
The event concluded with a call to action for further research and collaboration to elevate the cultural, social, and scientific relevance of headdresses on the global stage.
