By Wilson Adekumola
An Osun priestess, Yeye Ajesikemi Olokun Omolara, has explained how the Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, compelled her to cancel planned Isese festival in the state.
According to The PUNCH, the priestess shared her side of the story In a new video released online, lamenting the unfortunate incident and also disclosing that her life was in danger.
It was gathered that trouble started Monday after she released fliers herald the three-day event in Ilorin, and shortly after the fliers emerged online, members of the Muslim group stormed her residence and warned her not to hold the festival. The group said they were sent by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Sulu Gambari.
Omolara explained further that since the issue went viral, she had received numerous death threats.
While speaking during a short video posted on Facebook, she narrated her plight since the announcement of her event, saying, ”I was planning an Isese festival in Ilorin. Issues began after fliers for the event were posted online. In no time, I was bombarded with calls and social media tags.
“Some of my people soon began calling to inform me of plans by the imams to shut my event down. It’s been a stressful couple of days since the fliers were released, I have received multiple death threats from unknown people.”
Omolara said she was shocked at the turn of events, noting that it was the first time she would face such harassment in the city.
“I have lived in Ilorin for many years and experienced nothing but peace until recently. I have always been fair and kind to my neighbours and this has been reciprocated over the years.
“I’ve always considered Ilorin a peaceful place and lived in peace with my neighbors for years until recently.”
Discussing her contribution to the community, Yeye Omolara said she once facilitated the construction of a mosque and a well in the community, amongst other philanthropic acts, adding that none of her neighbours had provided her with support at this difficult time.
“Given what I have done for the community, it came as a rude shock when no one offered any assistance during my time of need,” she said.
The priestes, then reassured her commitment to continue helping her community despite the treatment received from the Imams.
When asked if she would ever consider converting to Islam, Omolara answered no, and said “Even if I was considering this, their recent behavior has convinced me otherwise.”
THE PUNCH gathered that the festival, aimed at celebrating a few Yoruba deities was eventually canceled.
