Tensions Rise in Ilorin as Traditional Priestess Defends Religious Freedom
- Tensions flared in Ilorin as traditional priestess Yeye Osunfunmilayo Ajile faced demands from Muslim clerics to vacate her home over her religious practice
- The confrontation reignited longstanding debates over religious freedom and cultural identity in Kwara State
- Ajile, invoking her constitutional rights, vowed to remain steadfast in her ancestral faith despite mounting pressure
Fresh unrest has gripped Ilorin following a confrontation between traditional priestess Yeye Osunfunmilayo Ajile and a group of Muslim clerics who allegedly stormed her residence demanding she vacate the area due to her religious practice.
Ajile, who holds the titles of Aare Olomitutu Odo Gbogbo l’Agbo of Kwara State and Atayese Worldwide, declared her unwavering commitment to her faith, stating that “traditional religion is the first religion in Ilorin.”
Source: UGC
She made the statement after the incident on Monday, September 22, when clerics from Oke Odo, Danialu, and Gaa Akanbi reportedly besieged her home.
A video circulating online shows the clerics insisting she relocate, while Ajile stood firm, citing her constitutional right to freedom of worship.
“They said they didn’t want me to practice traditional religion in that area and ordered me to relocate to Osun State. I told them I am from Ilorin and a bona fide daughter of the soil. I was born here, raised here, and I built this house here. Nobody can chase me away,” she told Saturday PUNCH.
Allegations of harassment and assault
Ajile alleged that the group, led by individuals identified as Alhaji Yisa and Bureimo Eesu, attempted to assault her and hurled stones and insults before leaving. She claimed the clerics recorded the encounter and later shared the footage online.
The priestess, who has lived in the house for over 11 years, said her devotion to traditional religion began in childhood, inherited from her grandmother. “This religion is our ancestral foundation. It was what was used to establish Ilorin and other Yoruba towns before foreign religions were introduced,” she said.
Ajile further asserted that her worship had positively impacted the community. “Before I started worshipping here, people drowned in the river while crossing. But in the past nine years, no such tragedy has occurred. People come here to pray and their requests are granted,” she explained.
Police report and human rights intervention
Following the incident, Ajile reported the matter to Division A Police Station in Ilorin and was referred to the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights. She said the committee promised to issue a formal letter to the clerics involved.
Expressing gratitude to Nigerians and traditionalists for their support, Ajile noted that her annual festivals had previously been held peacefully.
“I have contributed to the development of this community. These clerics who came to harass me are not even from here. They crossed the river just to make trouble,” she alleged.
Reaffirming her stance, she said:
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“I stood my ground because I have the constitutional right to practice any religion of my choice, as long as I don’t disturb others.”
Source: Twitter
Nigerian pastor reportedly crowned king
Legit.ng earlier reported that a prominent Nigerian pastor has reportedly been crowned as the traditional ruler in his hometown. According to the story making the rounds on social media, the pastor emerged as the king of his community, a development that is attracting many reactions online.
Pastor Kingsley Innocent, popularly known as Talknado, is the lead pastor at the Bible Believing Mission Inc., a church based in Aba, Abia state. Pastor Kingsley was reportedly made the king of Okwuabala Community in Orlu, Imo state.
Photos and videos seen on the Facebook page of his church show the pastor marking new yam festival with members of the community. Captions on the photos and videos addressed the pastor as "His Royal Majesty" to match his new status.
Source: Legit.ng
