The leadership of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun, on Wednesday, said the ban by Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on activities of the traditionalists within his domain would not stop adherents from enjoying their rights to associate or express their faith.
Oba Akanbi had in a statement on Tuesday placed a ban placement of sacrifices on public roads, noting that such could lead to damage of such roads, or lead to blockage of water channels, thereby causing flooding.
“In addition, the practice of placing sacrifices on the road, most especially junctions and blocking our Rivers by dumping ritual sacrifices in them, which in turn causes floods, are not equally permitted in Iwo. Most sacrificial offerings are placed on the road in junctions. You will see palm oil and other dirty items as offerings on the road financed by our taxpayers’ money. A road that should be maintained through collective efforts and patriotic dedication.”
But speaking during the association’s performance of ancient African poetry in Osogbo, being part of the week-long events for the annual Isese Day, the TRAWSO President, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, said Oba Akanbi has no right to prevent people of other faith from enjoying their fundamental rights.
Asked if the Isese Day would also hold in Iwo going by the opposition to the activities of the traditionalists in the town by the monarch, Atanda said, “I know for sure that Isese festival will come up in Osun State and in Iwo. Traditionalists will enjoy their fundamental human rights under Section 48 of the Nigerian constitution.”
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