The leader of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association (TRWASO), Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, has called off the group’s planned invasion of Iwo in Osun State. The group had planned to demand the removal of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Akanbi for what it called derogatory remarks about its deities. According to the group, the call off was occasioned by the intervention of the state governor, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola.
Meanwhile the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had risen to the defence of the Oluwo of Iwo. MURIC accused the traditionalists of attempting to coerce the Muslim king into submitting to participate in traditional rituals. MURIC told the traditionalists to take their protest to Oshogbo which is the seat of government.
The Islamic human rights group also called on the state government to call the traditionalists to order as the planned invasion would be an act of aggression and a manifestation of lack of respect for the rule of law.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, MURIC commended Governor Oyetola, the State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS), Osun State, for nipping the planned invasion in the bud. The statement was signed by the organisation’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
MURIC’s statement reads inter alia :
“We commend the state governor, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, the State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS), Osun State, for nipping the planned invasion in the bud. The traditionalists would have set an ugly precedent in the annals of Yoruba history. This prompt action shows beyond any reasonable doubt that the Oyetola administration is working and it is conscious of its responsibilities.
“For the avoidance of doubts, we will like to place it on record that MURIC respects the right of others to worship what they like. As a human rights group, we have never attempted to stop Christians or traditionalists from their ways of life. Anyone who has evidence to the contrary should produce it now.
“But at the same time, we will not stand akimbo while people of other religions attempt to intimidate Muslims by encroaching on their freedom to worship and liberty to ‘manifest’. As law abiding citizens and apostles of dialogue, we will always use every legitimate means at our disposal to check the excesses of such people.
“We call for peaceful coexistence in Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria in general. No part of Nigeria can develop in an atmosphere of intolerance, rancour and distrust. Let us learn to live and let live. But most especially, let us respect the rule of law at all times. We must desist from using threat, blackmail or outright violence to settle our differences.”
