I Didn’t Stop Traditional Religion Worshippers From Celebrating Isese Festival -Oluwo

The Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi,  who had been in the spotlight following media reports that he had ordered traditional religion worshippers  not to celebrate Isese Day festival in the ancient town, has clarified that he only declared that movement restrictions will not be allowed..

The Iwo monarch noted that being   a custodian of Yoruba culture,  he  had only opposed movement restrictions attendant with  such festivals  which ‘will not be entertained ‘in my domain’.

‘There was never a time that  I banned Isese in Iwo except imposition of curfew that comes with movement restrictions.  

My take on the issue is that any deity restricting human movement is anti-progress. It should be done in the bush where no one lives.

Oro worshippers in Iwo should change their mode of engagement to exclude movement restrictions. Such will not be entertained in my domain.

It is banned in Iwoland and that’s it all.  Other Oro done in moderation and not placing restrictions on human freedom is permitted. Individuals are free to engage in their family deity in as much as people’s freedom is not hindered’ he said.

‘I didn’t ban Isese. I’m an ancient traditional ruler, custodian of Yoruba culture, customs and traditions. I’m a father to all including the traditional religion worshippers’ he added while noting that what he said was ‘misconstrued’ by some members of the public .

Oluwo  also noted that even though he wasn’t in town, he had  financed this year’s Egungun festival in the town

‘I would have joined the annual Egungun celebration but was out of town for an important assignment. I mobilized financially  for the Egungun festival before I left home’ he said.

Oba Akanbi also gave reasons for opposing any festival that will require movement restrictions.

 ‘If I may ask, what will be the fate of an emergency patient being rushed to the hospital? Of what justification are movement restrictions to a student going to an examination hall at a particular time?

Of what moral excuse is a movement restrictions in the name of Oro to an accident victim in urgent need of medical attention?

You can do yours without disturbing others. No curfew should be imposed in an environment where people stay’ he submitted-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you