Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, has called for national renewal during Easter, urging Nigerians to embody love, unity, and kindness. He said the Easter message should go beyond religious observance and translate into practical compassion in daily interactions. The monarch emphasized that societal healing begins with individual commitment to peace and empathy. He lamented the rising cases of insecurity and social vices across the country, linking them to a decline in moral values. Akeem Owoade urged families, communities, and leaders to recommit to ethical living and mutual respect. He said traditional and religious institutions must work together to promote national cohesion. The statement was released on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2024, from the palace in Oyo.
Akeem Owoade's appeal for moral renewal exposes the widening gap between ceremonial leadership and tangible governance. His call for kindness and unity, while well-intentioned, carries no mechanism for accountability or policy influence. Nigerians are not lacking in sermons but in systems that enforce fairness and security. When a king speaks to the soul of the nation, it is often because the state has stopped listening to its people.