The International Council for Ifa Religion on Friday called on Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state and the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude, to ensure that those behind Wednesday’s attack of some Egungun worshipers in Kishi town of Oke-Ogun area of the state are brought to justice.
Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Oyo state chapter of the council, Baba-Awo Awogbemiga Bogunmbe, also called on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, to prevail on Iba of Kishi, Oba Moshood Arowoduye, not to take sides with any party in the conflict.
Bogunmbe explained that the Ifa Council was amazed that the traditional ruler of Kishi instructed that the on-going egungun festival should be put on hold, while Muslims in the town were allowed to continue their religious activities.
It would be recalled that no fewer than twenty-five people were reportedly injured in the religious clash that ensued between some Muslims and Egungun worshipers (Masqueraders) in the town earlier this week.
The spokesperson of the Ifa council specifically called on the Commissioner of Police in the state to arrest and interrogate one Alfa Lati, who reportedly fueled the religious crisis, saying reports have it that the man had constantly attacked traditional religion worshiper and disrupted traditional religious activities in the town in the past.
While noting that both Islam and traditional religion are religions of peace, Bogunmbe noted that Alfa Lati might have his own clandestine reasons for fueling religious conflict in the town.
He explained further that traditional religion worshipers in Kishi town have not been sleeping with their two eyes closed since Tuesday this week, as some Muslim fanatics have continued going from house-to-house to attack them (tradition religion worshipers).
Bogunmbe, however, insisted that since the constitution of Nigeria stipulates that the country is a secular and multi-religious country in which every citizen should be free to practice the religion of his or her choice, the Oyo state police command should quickly nip this ugly development at the bud.
While commending the Alaafin of Oyo for quickly sending delegates to restore peace to the town, the Ifa council’s PRO, noted that the paramount traditional ruler has continued to perform his role as the custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Packaged by Gbenga Abegunrin
