‘We’ll defend our faith’ — group declares support for Isese festival in Ilorin

A group under the aegis of the Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council (ARSADIC) says it is ready to defend the rights of traditional religion faithful amid the “Isese festival” controversy in Ilorin.

In a statement on Monday, Ifagbenusola Atanda, the group’s president, said traditional worshipers “will not fold our arms” and allow infringement on the rights of their fellow adherents in the country.

TheCable had reported that the Majilisu Shabab li Ulamahu Muslim group, in a video, warned Yeye Ajesikemi Omolara, a priestess, against holding an “Isese festival” in Ilorin, Kwara state.

The group claimed the order came from Sulu Gambari, Emir of Ilorin.

Speaking on the issue, the emir of Ilorin said the festival was cancelled “to prevent crisis”.

He added that the priestess had lived “harmoniously” in the town for years “until she decided to go beyond her boundaries”.

Reacting to the development, ARSADIC pledged to support Ajesekemi, adding that freedom of religious practice is enshrined in the constitution.

The group called on the state government and security agencies to intervene.

“As long as we, the traditional religion adherents, know our 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,” the statement reads.

“We are quite aware that Ilorin, Kwara state, is an integral part of Nigeria, and we are ready to defend our faith.

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

“I, therefore, call for the prompt intervention of the Kwara state government under the able leadership of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the security agencies in the state.”

Prominent Nigerians have also reacted to the development. Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, described the decision to cancel the festival as “a crime against the cultural heritage of all humanity” and “an assault on civilised conduct”.