Isese Festival And The Arrest Of Tani Olohun: Why Ilorin Is On The Path To Religious Extremism, By Hammed J. Sulaiman
Isese Festival And The Arrest Of Tani Olohun: Why Ilorin Is On The Path To Religious Extremism, By Hammed J. Sulaiman
Past weeks have seen a wave of conflict of interest on social media platforms, mainly between some prominent marabouts in Ilorin city of Kwara state and traditionalists. The issue escalated due to the fact that the traditionalists who opined to be of core Yoruba origin believe in ancestry practices and slated “Isese festival” on the 20th of August, 2023. However, pending that time, a man recognised as Azeez Adegbola aka Tani Olohun, was serving “hotcakes” directly to some marabouts about the interconnection of religious practices and the need to stop being hypocrites.
Under the law, the above is nothing but defamation of character. However, there will definitely be a series of events and connected facts that led to his audacity. The onus lies on his head and his legal team. Albeit, his arrest vis-a-vis his case is pregnant, and the birth will be a fundamental human right as recognized by international agreements and many national constitutions are being violated in Ilorin. Per the videos being circulated on social media while he is still on trial, of what goodness is the punishment and torturing of Tani Olohun without the final adjudication of his case? His trial will keep giving birth to more mediocrities in terms of discrimination and conflicts.
Apart from the defamation of character, the conflict appears to have originated over the use of a communal space for religious practices by the traditionalists. Allegations of disrespect and infringement on each group’s religious rights intensified the hostilities. The moves appeared to be the basis of the case, which led to the arrest of others, Iya Osun and Oluwo Nla of Tede. Albeit, reports emerged that Iya Osun has already converted to Islam, which many analysts saw to be under the guise of compulsion.
But before then, drama has been upon drama. Why and where Ilorin got it wrong is misplacing the tenets of justice. Basically, the traditionalists are seeking equal rights with the Muslims, but alas, it was viewed as unwelcoming. Even during the time of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), there was a pluralism of religion and there was a modus operandi to seduce others to join one’s religion without compulsion.
Not allowing the Isese festival to hold as slated is a slap on the Kwara state as a state of harmony. What harm would have happened to Ilorin or Kwara at large if the event had taken place? The traditionalists, as law-abiding, in fact, reached out to the security agency to hold the event peacefully. This is because they believe their belief is intertwined with culture and heritage. Hence, for Ilorin to stop people from practising their beliefs is not speaking well of preserving cultural diversity that enriches society and contributes to its overall development.
More so, religion or belief, be it any type, is a source of solace, guidance, and support in the lives of others. It provides a sense of purpose, community, and belonging—this gives room to the fact that “God lives everywhere, and God exists where love exists.” According to C.S. Lewis, “Of all bad men, religious bad men are the worst.” Citing some states as references to defend religious extremism is needless.
Some people tend to carry religion on their heads but forsake humanity, lack honesty, and keep growing wings of hypocrisy. Reality checks on some elements being used by traditionalists in their practices are also being used by other religious advocates, mainly Muslims and Christians. Why then the hypocrisy?
Also, online media practitioners in Kwara state or bloggers have not been helping matters; they are judgemental and practice with sentiment. There is nothing special in letting people do what they want so far, they are not harming others. Ilorin shouldn’t hide under the canopy of defamation to punish Tani Olohun, the issue became more intense when the Isese festival was fixed to be held.
This is a call on the Kwara state government to find something to do before the issue turns out to cause more mediocrity. Kwara has been known to be harmonious due to understanding and bonds that were strengthening the state. Ilorin should note that restricting religious practice can weaken these bonds and disrupt social harmony. Thus, the issue between “Alfas” and “Traditionalists” needs to stop.
It is quite absurd that Ilorin, which homes some of the most outstanding legal luminaries in the country, fails to understand that embracing religious freedom is a cornerstone of a just and inclusive society that respects the rights and beliefs of all. Ilorin should stop journeying on the path to religious extremism.
Hammed J. Sulaiman is a graduate of law, writer and PR practitioner. He heads PR at The Polytechnic Ojoku, Kwara state and is also the founder of The Peoples’ Mouthpiece. He can be reached via sulexmighty@gmail.com
Credit: Sahara Reporters
