Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has called on Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, to caution Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu Gambari, not to allow any Muslim fanatic invoke his name to cause insurrection that could lead to religious war in the State.

Aare Adams made this passionate call in an open letter titled: “Religious Fanaticism: Clear and Present Danger in Ilorin,” written to the governor, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Sunday, in reaction to recent report of a devotee of Osun deity, Efunsetan Abebi, who wanted to practice her faith in peace but was visited by some belligerent Islamic leaders who warned her against physical harm if she did not stop immediately.

Following the crisis, both Efunsetan Abebi and Obalowu Jimoh have been remanded in custody at Oke-Kura Custodial Centre for 30 days by a Magistrate’s Court, pending the hearing of the case against them.

The 15th Aare Onakakanfo, Iba Adams, while making the call, asserted that Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution states clearly that “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion,” even as he quickly noted that Kwara is known as the ‘State of Harmony,’ as the three main religions – Christianity, Islam and Traditional – had co-existed for more than 400 years, a development which he said some fanatics, pitiably wanted to turn to a “State of Hostility, Hatred, Belligerence, Blood and Tears.”

“I am writing this letter to you to please prevail on the Emir of Ilorin, retired Justice Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu Gambari, not to allow any Muslim fanatic invoke his name to cause insurrection because this can lead to a religious war.

“I am sure you know the recent story of a devotee of Osun deity who wanted to practise her faith in peace. She was visited by some belligerent Islamic leaders who warned her that something terrible (physical harm) may happen to her if she does not stop immediately,” Adams said in the letter.

“Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution states: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion”.

“It is because of this legal truism that I want to bring to your notice a ‘Clear and Present Danger’ in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, which may lead to an implosion if something drastic is not done immediately to checkmate some religious fanatics already on the rampage.

“These fanatics have demonstrated, through their actions, their lack of respect for the Constitution of Nigeria.

“Kwara is known as the ‘State of Harmony’ and the three main religions – Christianity, Islam and Traditional – have co-existed for more than 400 years.

“Pitiably, some fanatics want to turn it into a ‘State of Hostility, Hatred, Belligerence, Blood and Tears’ and as the Chief Security Officer (CSO), you should not allow this affront.

“Obviously, Ilorin was founded by the Yoruba and we have never prevented anybody from practising his or her faith. Ilorin is also a Yoruba City with a large Muslim population but there are still many Christians and Traditionalists practising their faiths and praying to God,” he stated.

Besides, Iba Adams also pleaded with Governor AbdulRasaq, as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state, to prevail on heads of religious sects in Ilorin not to disturb others from practicing their faiths, as he sadly recalled that a few years ago, some fanatics attacked some churches and Christians in the state capital, leading to loss of lives and property. (Nigerian Tribune)

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