A governorship aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged political leaders and Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, compassion, and mercy as guiding principles for leadership and peaceful coexistence.

Ajadi made the call on Monday while speaking with journalists at the 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Arowosaye Foundation at the Oba Adeyemi III Arcade, Ode Aremo, in Oyo.

The lecture was held in memory of Alhaji Ganiyu Akano Arowosaye and Alhaja Sidikatu Ayooka Arowosaye, with the chief host, Arowosaye Saheed Adeyemi, popularly known as AROSAD, leading the event.

Speaking on the significance of the Ramadan season, Ajadi said the holy month provides an opportunity for leaders and citizens to renew their commitment to good character, particularly forgiveness and service to humanity.

“Ramadan teaches discipline, sacrifice and, most importantly, forgiveness. As leaders and aspiring leaders, we must learn to forgive, accommodate different opinions and work for the collective good of our people,” he said.

Ajadi added that politics should not be driven by bitterness or vendettas but by a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people.

“Leadership is about compassion and responsibility. If allowed to serve, my focus will remain on policies that promote unity, development and social justice for the people of Oyo State,” he said.

In his lecture titled “Ramadan: A Season of Maghfirah (Forgiveness) for the Living and the Deceased,” the guest lecturer, Uthman Sannu Sheu, Chief Mufasir of the Ilorin Emirate, described Ramadan as a unique month filled with Allah’s mercy from beginning to end.

According to the cleric, while other months may come with various trials and uncertainties, Ramadan remains a period specially endowed with divine blessings, forgiveness and opportunities for spiritual renewal.

“All other months have one danger or another, but Ramadan from the beginning to the middle and the end is filled with mercy and blessings. It is a month Allah has set aside for forgiveness and spiritual upliftment,” he said.

Sheu urged Muslims to use the holy month to seek forgiveness from Allah and reconcile with fellow human beings, noting that forgiveness is a reflection of strong character and genuine faith.

“If you want Allah to forgive you, you must also learn to forgive others. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is strength of character and a sign of true faith,” he said.

He also advised politicians to demonstrate humility and fear of God in their dealings with the people, stressing that leadership is a trust from God.

In his remarks, the chief host, Adeyemi, expressed appreciation to scholars, political leaders and community members for honouring the invitation despite their busy schedules.

He said the annual lecture was conceived not only to honour the memory of his late parents but also to promote Islamic teachings of peace, charity and community development.

“This annual Ramadan lecture is our own little way of preserving the legacy of kindness, generosity and service to humanity which our late parents stood for. We are grateful to Allah for the opportunity to sustain this initiative for eight years,” he said.

The event featured prayers for the deceased, special supplications for peace in Oyo State and Nigeria, as well as goodwill messages from dignitaries present.

Over the years, the Arowosaye Foundation Ramadan Lecture has grown into a significant spiritual gathering in Oyo, bringing together Islamic scholars, political leaders and members of the public to reflect on faith, leadership and societal values.