The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has explained that the Isese festival, a cultural ceremony scheduled in the town, was cancelled to prevent crisis.
The religious leader described the decision as proactive, saying it was necessary to sustain peaceful co-existence in the society.
Gambari stated this while responding to an open letter addressed to him by Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate.
Politics Nigeria recalls that dispute started when Yeye Ajesikemi Omolara, a priestess, announced the commencement of this year’s Isese festival from July 22 to 24.
But members of the Majilisu Shabab li Ulamahu Muslim group, in a video, warned the priestess against holding the event.
The group had claimed the order came from the emir.
Reacting to the development, Soyinka described the decision to cancel the festival as “a crime against the cultural heritage of all humanity” and “an assault on civilised conduct”, noting that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of belief, adding that the cancellation will undermine the country’s progress.
In response to the Nobel laureate, Gambari said the decision was taken to avert situations that might lead to reprisal attacks by sympathisers or promoters of such belief (Isese) in other parts of the country.
He added that the priestess had lived harmoniously in the town for years “until she decided to go beyond her boundaries”.
“In order to set records straight, Professor Wole Soyinka tends to be economical with facts, forgetting that war is nobody’s want,” Gambari said in a statement by his aide, AbdulAzeez Arowona on Friday.
“As he decided to settle with a factor that is capable of causing chaos in the society, if not quickly averted.
“This is to prevent crisis and not waiting until it erupt because the cost of managing crises cannot be equated to the wisdom or courage required to prevent it.
“Such proactiveness is necessary in order to sustain peaceful co-existence in the society.
“It is therefore surprising to hear that the position of Professor Soyinka is identical to someone who does not consider what might transpire if the programme was hosted.
“It may result to issues which could also lead to reprisal attacks by sympathisers or promoters of such belief (Isese festival) in other parts of the country.
“There are many non-indigenes in Kwara who are serving and retired, including business owners who have vowed to move their families to the state due to the peace and harmony enjoyed therein.
“Yeye Ajesikemi also confirmed that she has been living harmoniously in Ilorin for many years, not until she decided to go beyond her boundaries.”
Old age is affecting his sense of reasoning now , people should not take him serious anymore
She comfirmed that she has been living harmoniously, until she is now outside her boundaries .Interesting statement.from the priestess that needs re-examination, for truth sake.A Yoruba woman,a priestess for that matter,believing that her boundaries has limits within ILORIN Yoruba land Let’s watch and see how things unfolds . Let’s hope she has not been appeased, in making such statement. Something not just right. Almighty God,the creator of the Universe is watching IJN.
Post election grief still affecting you. can the Emir cancel sallah if us other way round