The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Mayor Akpodoro, has extended his felicitations to Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

In a statement issued upon his arrival in Abuja, Akpodoro described the holy month of Ramadan as a significant period in the Islamic calendar, emphasizing its role in fostering spiritual renewal and closer communion with Almighty Allah.

He lauded the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, for his commendable efforts in maintaining peace and religious harmony across the country.

Acknowledging the progress in interfaith relations, Akpodoro noted that religious-based violence has significantly declined due to the commitment of Muslim leaders and other stakeholders.

He urged Muslim faithful to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan—prayer, sacrifice, charity, and tolerance—as a means of sustaining national unity and development.

“I commend our Muslim faithful for their utmost devotion to Almighty Allah as expressed in their fervent prayers, sacrifice, charity, and unwavering commitment to peace and unity in Nigeria. As we celebrate, I implore our Muslim brothers and sisters to exemplify the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by sustaining their supplications, generosity, and religious tolerance,” Akpodoro stated.

He further called on Muslims to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to pray for national leaders and rededicate themselves to the collective task of achieving sustainable peace and progress in Nigeria.

Stressing the importance of faith in nation-building, he urged them to continually intercede for the country, expressing optimism about a future where peace and unity define Nigeria’s national identity.

Condemning the recent killing of hunters who were traveling home for the Sallah celebration in Uromi, Edo State, Akpodoro called on the government to enforce a total ban on jungle justice.

He warned that such acts of lawlessness were becoming a recurring issue in Nigeria’s history, stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains the only viable alternative for justice and order in society.

In a separate message, Akpodoro extended warm birthday greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, celebrating his 73rd birthday.

He praised the President’s leadership, arguing that Tinubu’s achievements in two years have surpassed those of his predecessors since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

“Mr. President, your efforts in steering our nation towards economic recovery through the Renewed Hope Agenda are commendable. Since 1999, your two years in office have marked a significant departure from unrealistic economic policies to genuine and empirical growth,” Akpodoro remarked.

He reaffirmed the Urhobo nation’s political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, citing the endorsement of His Royal Majesty, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), CFR, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. “On behalf of the entire Urhobo nation worldwide, I congratulate you on your birthday, and we stand by our commitment that all Urhobo votes in 2027 are for you, President Tinubu,” he added.

Akpodoro’s statements reflect a call for sustained national cohesion, religious tolerance, and governance that prioritises progress and security for all Nigerians.