Adherents of traditional religion, represented by the International Council for Ifa Religion have urged the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi, to cease disparaging traditional religion and Yoruba culture.
The ICIR has also called on the Osun State government, Yoruba elders, and socio-cultural organizations to intervene and address the monarch’s actions.
During the inauguration of the new executive committee of ICIR on Saturday, President, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, made these remarks.
He accused the monarch of making statements that incite religious discord and cause embarrassment among other traditional leaders.
Fayemi also called for calm regarding the recent conflict between Muslim and Christian communities in Iseyin.
“We implore the people who are fanning the ember of religious discord in our land to desist. We advise the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi to refrain from using unprintable statements against the Yoruba tradition, culture, and religion.
“We also call on the government, especially the government of Osun State, Yoruba socio-cultural organizations, and Yoruba elders to call Oba Abdulrashed to order before his utterances cause problems.
“For the sake of peace, we implore practitioners of all religions and traditions to live in harmony and focus on what unites us rather than what separates us.
“In view of this, we appeal to both parties, Muslims and Christians fighting in Iseyin to allow peace to reign,” he said.
