While traditional worshippers are happy about the development, some Christian and Muslim faithful are strongly opposed to it. In this report, GBENGA SALAU digs into the origin of the celebration and also captures the arguments of both Isese adherents and the antagonists.
The day, according to some scholars, is for traditional worshipers to celebrate their deities, though it is the culmination of a weeklong celebration of traditional religious activities and festivities. A Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society in Ilorin, reportedly stormed the residence of a traditional religion priestess, Adesikemi Olokun, to caution her against embarking on the planned Isese festival in five local councils of the state, which constitute the Ilorin Emirate. This was shortly after Olokun, an Osun devotee, allegedly released fliers announcing a three-day event to celebrate certain Yoruba deities.
“Perhaps this is another occasion for self-introduction. I currently teach courses in Abu Dhabi in the Emirates. That is the region of origin, all others are mere appendages. I was there just before Christmas. I passed through again in the countdown to Ramadan. On both occasions, the streets, businesses, hotel lobbies and other public spaces were lit up with the same festive spirit. Only the symbols within the designs were different.
“This is the 21st century, not the 18th century. I want to tell those fanatics that there is something called rule of law in all parts of Nigeria, including Ilorin, and it is unsavoury for anybody to ignore this and opt for rule of fanaticism. “Christians, Muslims and traditionalists don’t serve a God of destruction and darkness, but a God of tolerance, invention, creativity and light.
“It is, therefore, surprising to hear that the position of Professor Soyinka is identical to someone who does not consider what might transpire if the programme was hosted.“It may result in issues which could also lead to reprisal attacks by sympathisers or promoters of such belief in other parts of the country.
He said: “There was never a time I banned Isese in Iwo except imposition of curfew to restrict people’s freedom of movement. My point is, any deity restricting human movement is anti-progress. It should be done in the bush where no one lives.
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