Islamic Group, Ilorin Traditionalists On Collision Course Over Isese Festival

Crisis is brewing between an Islamic group and some traditionalists in Ilorin, Kwara State over a planned celebration of a festival.

KOKO TV gathered that a Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, in Ilorin recently stormed the residence of a traditional religion priestess to caution her against embarking on planned Isese festival in five local government areas, which constitute the Ilorin Emirate in the state capital.

Isese, the Yoruba word for tradition, is used to denote different kinds of festivals held by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion in Nigeria, Cuba, Brasil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.

The Islamic sect said Isese festival must not take place in Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Moro and Asa.

The group, which took its protest to the home of the priestess, identified as Adesikemi Olatunji, believed to be a worshiper of Osun, warned the young woman that the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, sent them to convey the warning.

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In a viral video published on Facebook on Monday by one Arowolo Abdulfatai (Sheikh Abdul Fathai Arowolo), members of the group, located in the Oke Adini area of Ilorin, said the visit was prompted by reports of an imminent traditional festival, known as Isese, by the priestess.

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The priestess, who is an Osun devotee, Yeye Adesikemi Olokun Omolara Olatunji, had reportedly released fliers announcing a three-day traditional event aimed at celebrating certain Yoruba deities.

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