In a bid to foster communal peace and strengthen interfaith harmony, the Okere of Saki, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Surv.) Khalid Olabisi Ayinla Ado Oyedepo III, convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders across religious, political, and socio-economic sectors on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at his palace in Saki.
The royal engagement, described as peaceful and impactful, was convened amidst rising concerns over misinformation, religious sensitivity, and the misuse of digital platforms on the issue of Gedu Estate Central Mosque.
In his opening remarks, Oba Oyedepo III emphasized the vital role of unity, love, and mutual support in ensuring the sustained development of Saki, a city recognized religious tolerance and the economic backbone of Oyo State after Ibadan.
The monarch decried the alarming spread of false information and inflammatory content via social media regarding Gedu Estate Central Mosque, noting that such actions have been instrumental in fueling unnecessary crises within the community.
He implored residents to verify the authenticity of any information before dissemination, stressing that careless broadcasting of unverified content only serves to divide rather than unite.
“Two wrongs do not make a right,” the Okere stated firmly, as he called on journalists, bloggers, and content creators in Saki to adhere to the ethical standards of journalism. He urged them to seek deeper knowledge of the profession and embrace a culture of integrity and responsibility in their reportage.
Commending the leadership and initiatives of the current Saki Parapo Committee under the leadership of Oluwole Oladokun, Oba Oyedepo III described them as the most proactive and cohesive in recent history.
He also underscored the critical roles of parents and religious leaders in nurturing morally upright and tolerant youths, urging them to prioritize character development and interfaith understanding.
The meeting witnessed the active participation of religious leaders, including the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Saki branch, Reverend Adeoye Sunday Silas, who lauded the Okere’s timely intervention.
Rev. Silas affirmed CAN’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged continued collaboration with the palace and other stakeholders.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Saki, Sheu Wahab Folorunsho, commended the monarch for providing clarity and decisive leadership on religious matters. He praised the Okere for his unbiased approach in resolving sensitive issues and called for sustained dialogue among all faith-based groups.
Both religious leaders offered prayers for the continued peace, unity, and development of Saki.
Addressing the town’s security concerns, the monarch acknowledged recent efforts by law enforcement agencies in apprehending individuals responsible for circulating divisive narratives.
He noted, however, that stakeholder intervention had led to a measured resolution in those cases. He urged residents to support security personnel in maintaining law and order, assuring them that the palace remains open to all for conflict resolution and counsel.
The Okere concluded the session with fervent prayers for the people of Saki and reiterated his unwavering commitment to fostering peace, inclusivity, and progress within the town.
The meeting was attended by traditional chiefs, religious clerics, political figures, media representatives, business leaders, and heads of various associations, reflecting a broad and inclusive engagement with the community’s leadership.
