Traditional religion adherents in Nigeria have urged the government to accord them the same recognition as Muslims and Christians across the country. This demand was made during a press conference held by the Araba/Olu Isese of Ibadanland, High Chief Ifalare Odegbemi Odegbola; Araba/Oluwo of Oyo, High Chief Faleye Kusaanu; Araba of Oka Akoko of Ondo State, Chief Adewale Oso, and Jagunmolu Awo Agbaye, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, at Osemeji temple in Ibadan to announce the 2023 world annual Ifa festival.
The traditional religion adherents expressed that they are entitled to all the same rights, privileges and recognition given to Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. The Araba (Olu Isese) Agbaye, His Eminence, Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni, while addressing the press conference, even called on the government at all levels to give due recognition to traditional religion. He stated that traditional religion had never waged any war against any religion and should be treated similarly to other religions.
The Orisa devotee also encouraged traditional rulers to promote Yoruba traditional religion as it is the foundation of the crowns on their heads. The Ifa festival has commenced since two weeks ago with a pilgrimage to sacred shrines and groves in Ekiti State. The activities in Ile-Ife will commence on Thursday, 1 June 2023, with the celebration culminating on Saturday, 3 June 2023, which is considered as the last day of the year with the final worship in the world Ifa temple, Oke Itase, Ile-Ife, Osun State. The new year Ifa divination will be cast on Sunday, 4 June, which is the first day in the Yoruba calendar.
The traditional religion adherents reeled out words of caution to those aggrieved by the outcome of the 2023 presidential election and urged them to exercise patience and support the incoming administration led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Those who are saying that they should not hand over to him should exercise patience. They should support him. He has won and he has been declared as the winner. The next thing is for him to take over the power. We cannot say that they should not hand over power to him,” the traditional religion adherents stated.
The adherents envisage that an administration led by Tinubu will bring about peace and prosperity to Nigeria. They also advised youths to be patient in their quest for money, while asking them not to rush. The traditional religion adherents believe that this is the best way to ensure Nigeria remains peaceful.
