The Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, on Friday dressed in an Islamic regalia and joined other Muslims at the Ado Ekiti central praying ground for the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr. Fayose, who is a Christian, was received by Muslim leaders and other faithful.
Mr. Fayose, addressing the faithful, said it was not his first time of identifying with Muslims in the open, promising to maintain the relationship.
He said such actions were needed from leaders as a way of preaching peace, unity and tranquility to the led.
Mr. Fayose also promised to look into the requests of the Muslim faithful as best as he could do.
He advised the Islamic clerics to always tell the leaders the truth and preach the values of justice and equality.
Mr. Fayose, who said that religious clerics wield more influence on the people than government officials or political leaders, urged them to use such influence to re-orientate the people toward maintaining love, peace, justice and equity for all.
“Muslims are very peculiar people and Islam, their religion, is not known for violence. I therefore urge all Muslims to abide by the doctrines of Islam and ensure that they live in harmony with everybody.
”We have the same blood flowing in our veins and we are, first of all, human beings before we chose our religion. So, God in us is more important than the religion.
”The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. I therefore enjoin you all to continue to live in peace for the collective growth of our land, our nation,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti and the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere- Bello, applauded the governor’s dressing as a Muslim in his sermon.
He said it was in obedience to Allah’s instructions and biblical injunctions.
“This dressing shows that the governor is not discriminating against any religion. Your Excellency, your dressing is even in line with Biblical injunctions.
“The book of Zechariah 3:3 in the Bible says: ‘We removed unclean clothes from Joshua, we washed him clean and he was dressed in a clean turban on his head and God’s angel stood by him.’
”Our governor, as you wear the turban on your head, the angel of God is already with you and that is why you are succeeding in all that you do, against all odds,” he said.
He advised the governor to consider producing a Muslim as the governorship candidate of his party for next year’s gubernatorial election, saying no Muslim had been elected the governor of the state since it was created over 20 years ago.
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