Crisis brews in Ile Ife as CAN kicks against illegal curfew traditional worshipers during Holy Week

Rev. Canon Sam’Leye Onitiju, the CAN Chairman, in a press conference at St Paul Anglican Church, Ayegbaju Area, on Wednesday, in Ile-Ife, called for religious tolerance.

He cited a press release by Obalesu Dada, the Chief Priest of the Obatala traditional worshippers, which warned people to stay indoors between 2pm and 7pm for the Oro-Owa Ilare festival.

Onitiju added that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, had on May 15, 2023, held a peaceful meeting in his palace with religious leaders and the then Osun State Commissioner of Police.

He recalled that the Chief Imam of Ifeland, AbdulHammed AbdulSemiu, and himself attended the meeting where
the Ooni harped on the need for religious tolerance and also warned against illegal movement restriction of people in broad daylight.

He noted that Christians should observe their Holy Week services in churches across Ifeland without fear of molestation and attack from any individual and/or group.

“We want to inform the Inspector General of Police, Osun State Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander of Police to ensure that the peace reigning in Ile-Ife is not disrupted,” Onitiju said.

“And no one should be molested by anybody or group of people under the guise of any religious rite.

“As Christians in Ifeland, we are very proud of Ooni as an advocate of peace and we are ready to partner with him on this peaceful mission.”

The CAN chief also congratulating all Christians in Ife on the Holy Week and Easter festival.