A traditional ruler in Ekiti State, Oba Joseph Fagbamila, the Olootunja of Ootunja-Ekiti, has urged politicians to emulate God’s ways and teachings to avoid divine retribution.
He spoke during the 2nd edition of Easter Family Life Thanksgiving Service organised by Akin Rotimi, the lawmaker representing Ekiti North 1 Federal Constituency.
The monarch said politics was not a barrier to entering the kingdom of God if one did what was right.
“I am not part of those people who believe one can’t inherit the kingdom of God if one is a politician.
“All I know is that if you emulate God’s way and do the right things, you will definitely get to the sanctuary, but if you do otherwise, you will face the divine retribution.
“If the home is good, the society will be okay. I advise parents, especially fathers, to put God first in their endeavours and seek His grace to take total control over their marriages.”
Rotimi said the gathering aimed to support constituents in their faith and reaffirm the importance of strong family values in nation-building.
READ ALSO: Atiku’s metamorphosis
He lamented the erosion of traditional values and the impact of modern ideologies on family units.
The federal lawmaker called on religious institutions to serve as a moral compass and guide families back to God’s design, stressing that countries flourish when family units are built on love, discipline and mutual respect.
He said: “This gathering is more than a moment of praise and reflection. It is a declaration of faith and conviction. We believe, as scripture teaches, that righteousness exalts a nation. But the foundation of righteousness begins at home. Nations only flourish when family units are sound-where love, discipline, godliness and mutual respect are nurtured.
“As a public official and the representative of over 500,000 people across 40 communities, I will continue to do my best to address the many gaps in public service delivery. This commitment is reflected in my legislative efforts and in the work of attracting development and empowerment to our homeland with a deliberate focus on reaching the most vulnerable among us and ensuring no one is left behind.
“My mission as a transformation agent in the public service is not merely a career choice; it is a calling rooted in, and continually inspired by, my Christian faith. It is this spiritual foundation that shapes my values, informs my priorities and sustains my resolve to serve with integrity, compassion and purpose.
“The more I labour in this space and engage with the systemic challenges our nation faces, the clearer it becomes to me that the root of many of our national problems lies within the state of the family unit. If we are to truly fix our society, we must first fix our homes – by restoring a culture of dignity, contentment and hard work and by reshaping our collective orientation through godly principles
“Sadly, we live in a time when the family unit is under siege. The sacred institution of marriage is being eroded by false ideologies and moral relativism. Our children are exposed daily to content-in songs, in movies, on social media – that glamorises vices and mocks virtue.
“What God abhors is now being normalised, even celebrated. This is not just a cultural shift; it is a spiritual battle. And the church must rise as a moral compass, guiding families back to God’s original design.
“That is why this year’s theme: ‘Rebuilding Families, Renewing Nigeria. The Role of the Church’, is both timely and urgent. If we are to see national renewal, we must start by strengthening marriages, guiding our youths and empowering parents to lead with wisdom and grace.”
In his sermon, Pastor Sola Osunmakinde urged Ekiti residents to prioritise God in their endeavours, saying God is the only divine entity capable of restoring lost glories.
He advised families to stay united to build a better Nigeria, noting that leaders and citizens should reflect on their roles in shaping a better future for all.
