The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has underscored the need for Nigerians to be more tolerant with fellow citizens of different religious beliefs and ethnic group.
He averred that there is strength in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society as Nigeria.
The first class momarch admonition came in the wake of the death of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, who was burnt to death by rampaging mob, for blasphemy.
Ogunwusi issued the admonition at the palace of Oba Ademola Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom in Lagos State, where the Elegushi conferred traditional titles on eminent Nigerians.
He said this in a statement issued by Mr Temitope Oyefeso, Special Assistant, Public Affairs to Oba Elegushi, on Sunday in Lagos.
The Ooni said, “While our tongues and faith may differ, there is a purpose for being Nigerians under the umbrella of the same country.
“Everyone should explore the opportunities of the diversity towards attaining a prosperous and peaceful nation.”
Oba Ogunwusi said with the conferment of traditional titles on Nigerians of different ethnic and religion, Oba Ademola Elegushi was using the traditional stool to echo the message of unity for development.
Speaking, Oba Elegushi said the Nigerians being honoured were carefully selected in recognition of their contribution towards the development of Ikate kingdom and Lagos State.
Among those honoured were Oliver Cohnen, a German and Managing Director of AFP furniture; the real estate expert, Chiedu Nweke; an IT expert and former IBM Country Manager, Akin Bolarniwa and renowned legal practitioner, Adeoeju Omotayo. (NAN