We’ll Resist Any Attempt To Hinder Our Worship –Isese Traditionalists

A group sympathetic to the Isese traditionalists in Ilorin has stated it would resist any attempt by anyone aimed at hindering them worshipping their deity.

It has also called on President Bola Tinubu to warn the Kwara State government from banning traditionalists, saying such a move could trigger religious crisis.

The Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council (ARSADIC) made these calls while addressing a press conference in Ile-Ife, Osun state yesterday.

The president of ARSADIC, Ifagbenusola Atanda who addressed journalists, appealed to the president to intervene in the crisis between some Muslim faithful and Isese traditionalists over the celebration of Isese festival in Ilorin.

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He said the Kwara government had no reason to ban traditionalists as the constitution allowed plurality of religious beliefs.

 “We call on President Bola Tinubu to caution the Kwara state government from banning traditionalists from worshipping and celebrating their traditional festivals, for such action could lead to religious crisis.

“The traditional worshippers know their boundary not to throw offensives at other faiths.

“We will resist any attempt to trample on our rights to freedom of religion and association as spelt out in the Nigerian Constitution,” Atanda said.

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Calling on the Inspector-General of Police(I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, to prevent arbitrary arrest of Isese adherents by the police in Ilorin, he added:

“The government should ensure equity among the three recognised religions of Christianity, Muslim and traditionalist”.

He condemned the recent clash between an Ilorin-based traditional worshipper, Yeye Omolara Ajesekemi and some Muslim faithful at the Yemoja River in the Oko Olowo area of the metropolis.

“Yeye Omolara Ajesekemi has our support at all times to practice her faith, the traditional religion which bonds all of us together,” he said.

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Observing that the three religions worshippers have been living harmoniously in the state for years, Atanda maintained that the group was ready to defend the rights of the traditional adherents, to free unhindered worship as provided for in the laws of the land.

The state government in addition to the state government, state house of assembly, royal fathers and other stakeholders should protect the interest of traditionalists in the state.