Tensions are rising between an Islamic group and some traditionalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, due to a planned celebration of a festival.
According to sources, the Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, a Muslim group in Ilorin, recently visited the residence of a traditional religion priestess to advise her against proceeding with the Isese festival in five local government areas that make up the Ilorin Emirate in the state capital.
The term “Isese” refers to various festivals observed by followers of the Yoruba traditional religion in Nigeria, Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.
The Islamic sect insists that the Isese festival should not occur in Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Moro, and Asa.
During their protest at the home of the priestess, known as Adesikemi Olatunji and believed to be a devotee of Osun, the group conveyed a warning on behalf of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
A video circulating on Facebook, shared by Arowolo Abdulfatai (Sheikh Abdul Fathai Arowolo), shows members of the group, located in the Oke Adini area of Ilorin, expressing their concerns about the impending Isese festival organized by the priestess.
The priestess, Yeye Adesikemi Olokun Omolara Olatunji, an Osun worshipper, reportedly distributed flyers announcing a three-day traditional event aimed at honoring specific Yoruba deities.
In response to the viral social media post, members of the Muslim group gathered at the residence of Yeye Adesikemi, where they engaged in discussions with her sister, Alaba.
Many of the Imams present took turns addressing and questioning her, with the primary purpose of warning against proceeding with the planned event.
While emphasizing that their visit was intended to be peaceful, the Imams, in a somewhat indirect manner, issued warnings and subtly threatened the devotees, cautioning them against organizing the Isese festival.
They emphasized that in Kwara State, only Islamic activities are supported.
Speaking in Yoruba, a member of the group, who described himself as an Imam, said, “Ilorin does not permit idol worshipping, we are ardent Muslims in the land of the Emirate.”
Another Imam further reiterated the group’s stance, adding that they were sent by the “Emir of Ilorin, to warn against this Isese festival.”
He added that traditional religious worshippers could celebrate in private but never publicly in the Emirate as the only deity that could be publicly celebrated is the one Muslims in the state serve.
“We are here on behalf of the Emir of Ilorin to ask that you desist from any Isese. We are also backed by the laws of the land. We are not here to fight you but to warn you against this celebration.”
In a short video published after the visit, Yeye Omolara bemoaned the development.
Speaking in Yoruba she said, “I have been living in Ilorin for many years and I have experienced nothing but peace until recently. I have always been fair and kind to my neighbours and this has been reciprocated over the years.
“One of my people shared the invite online which caught the attention of the Imams. In a matter of hours, I was tagged on numerous posts and also began to receive death threats.
“I also heard that meetings were being held to ensure that the Aje festival does not hold in Ilorin,” she said.
On Sunday, the state Police Command stated that it had not received an official report regarding the alleged ban imposed by the Islamic sect.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Okasanmi Ajayi, said, “Kwara Police Command has not received any official report from any citizens concerning the warning to Yeye Olokun you referred to.”
Ajayi, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, emphasized the readiness of the command to prevent any potential conflict between the Muslim community and the traditionalists in the state.
The statement conveyed the commitment of the police to maintain peace and harmony between the two groups.
