Association of Ajoro Omo Oduduwa (AAOO) has urged Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers in Yorubaland to promote religious tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The association made the appeal in a statement by its founder, Babatunde Balogun, and national secretary, Comrade Iyiola Solademi, due to growing religious controversies on social media.
AAOO said Yorubaland historically accommodated people of different faiths and traditions, warning that religious differences should not be allowed to threaten the unity and peaceful coexistence of the people.
The association specifically expressed concern over recent social media controversies involving a traditional religion personality known as Taalolorun, urging Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers to avoid actions or statements capable of creating communal tension.
It appealed to religious leaders across the three major faith traditions to encourage mutual understanding, responsible engagement and respect for the beliefs of others.
The group urged social media users to verify information before sharing it, warning that inflammatory, provocative or misleading materials could deepen religious suspicion and create unnecessary conflict within communities.
AAOO called on traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities and law enforcement agencies to intervene peacefully in genuine disputes and ensure that complaints are handled fairly and in accordance with the law.
It advised that Yoruba unity should remain greater than religious differences, urging all Yoruba to protect the peace, dignity and cultural heritage of the region.
The association also raised concerns about food safety and agricultural practices, just as it called on farmers to adopt safe, responsible and sustainable methods of food production.
It cautioned against the excessive and improper use of chemicals and other artificial inputs, while calling for proper scientific and medical investigation into reported changes in the taste, appearance and colour of crops such as yam and cassava.
The association suggested closer monitoring of animal husbandry and poultry farming, particularly the use of chemicals, veterinary drugs, growth-promoting substances and other agricultural inputs that could affect consumers’ health.
AAOO urged governments, agricultural experts, food scientists, health professionals, research institutions and relevant agencies to strengthen food inspection, laboratory testing, public education and consumer protection, saying the health of the people must remain a priority alongside agricultural development.