The immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Atayese Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), on Sunday joined Christian faithful in the first-ever Ecumenical Palm Sunday procession in Osogbo, the state capital. The historic event united believers from various Christian denominations in a remarkable display of faith, hope, and togetherness.
This symbolic procession marked a significant milestone in promoting unity within the Christian community in Osun State. Participating churches included the Anglican Diocese of Osogbo, the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, the African Church Cathedral Osogbo, the Methodist Diocese of Osogbo, and the Baptist Fellowship of Osogbo.
The deeply spiritual procession was led by revered church leaders such as Rt. Rev. Dr. James Olu Akinola of the Methodist Church, Most Rev. Dr. John Akin Oyejola of the Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Folusho Babatunji of the Anglican Church, and Rt. Rev. James Bamidele of the African Church Cathedral, Osogbo. Each delivered powerful exhortations on humility, love, and sacrifice core values associated with Palm Sunday, which commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
The atmosphere was filled with songs of praise, fervent prayers, and deep reflections, as Christians stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity. The event was widely lauded as a significant step toward fostering greater Christian unity, with many attendees calling for it to become an annual tradition. It also underscored the importance of interdenominational collaboration to strengthen the body of Christ and encourage spiritual growth across Osun State.
Alabi prayed for enduring unity and harmony in Osun State. He urged believers to continue to be agents of peace and goodwill, spreading messages of love, tolerance, and mutual respect across communities.
He further emphasized that love is the strongest foundation upon which any society can thrive. He called on all Christians to live out Christ’s example by loving their neighbors, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences. “Let us be the light in our communities,” he said, “shining with compassion, humility, and unity of purpose. A state built on love will always overcome division.”
BOA encouraged the people of Osun to uphold the spirit of togetherness witnessed during the procession. He noted that unity does not mean uniformity, but rather embracing our diversity with understanding and grace. “When we walk in love,” he said, “we walk in the path of progress. Let Osun be a beacon of peace, not only in Nigeria but in the world.”
