*Optimistic Nigeria will be better during his tenure
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Traditional religion adherents yesterday, tasked governments at all levels to recognize traditionalists in the country and treat them like Muslims and Christians.
Addressing a press conference held at Osemeji Temple in Ibadan under the leadership of the Araba (Olu Isese) Agbaye, His Eminence, Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni, the traditionalists specifically demanded due recognition to traditional religion by the Nigeria’s governments.
The Araba Agbaye whose speech was read by Jagunmolu Awo Agbaye, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, also appealed to traditional rulers in Yoruba land to as a matter of priority “promote Yoruba traditional religion which is the basis of the crowns on their heads”.
” I am using this opportunity to call on the government from the local to the national level to give due recognition to our traditional religion and treat it the same way the alien religions are being treated. This appeal is also extended to our traditional rulers. Our kings are implored to promote Yoruba traditional religion which is the basis of the crowns on their heads”, he said.
Araba Agbaye added, ” The world annual Ifa Festival has commenced last two weeks with the activities including pilgrimage to our sacred shrines and grooves in Ekiti State.
“The activities in Ile-Ife will commence on Thursday 1st June and the grand finale will be on Saturday 3rd June 2023, which is the last day of the year with the last worship of the year in the world Ifa temple, Oke Itase, Ile-Ife, Osun state”.
His Eminence Aworemi stressed, ” The new year Ifa divination will be cast in the early hours of Sunday, 4th June 2023 which is the first day year in Yoruba calendar. My fellow Orisa devotees, as true followers of Orunmila, I implore us to abide by teachings of Ifa on patience and gentle character. With this our cherished Isese, the Yoruba traditional religion will triumph amidst conspirators in this land. Surely ours is the most peaceful religion in the world”.
Speaking further, he said, “I am also using this medium to assure you that Ile-Ife is a peaceful as ever and there is no reason for any kind of fear for anybody coming home. We are entitled to all the things you are given the Muslims and Christians”.
On the President elect, the traditionalists urged those that are aggrieved with the outcome of the last presidential election to support the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and move Nigeria forward
“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”.
According to Araba Agbaye, the administration of Asiwaju Tinubu ” will be peaceful and Nigeria will be better during his own time. We advised the youths to exercise patience while looking for money. They should not rush”.
Others that spoke at the press conference included 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.
