The Herbalists/Traditionalists Association of Nigeria yesterday appealed to the monarch of Ire community in Ekiti State, the Onire, Oba Bobade Adeleke, to appease adherents of Ogun cult group in his community, following the bloody riot that hit the town last week.
Youths of Ire had poured into the streets, protesting against the traditional ruler for inviting security operatives to come and forestall the holding of annual Ogun festival in the community.
During the skirmish, three lives were lost, while some vehicles belonging to the monarch were put to the torch.
But reacting to the incident while speaking with newsmen at the launch of Amotekun native security outfit in Akure, Ondo State, the secretary of the association, Chief Fakayode Fayemi, said, “Much as we condemn the attacks on the royal father along with its attendant violent acts. we also advise the traditional ruler to retrace his steps.
“I feel he (the monarch) should not have obstructed the annual celebration of Ogun festival simply because of Covid-19.
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“While the Oba is trying to prevent deaths by suspending the celebration of Ogun festival, he should also remember that Ogun, the Yoruba god of iron, can eliminate a whole community, if annoyed.”
Fayemi, as such advised the monarch to make necessary propitiation for the peace of Ire community.
He also advised that in future, such cases should be reported to the herbalists/traditionalists’ association before they get out of hand.
The traditionalist cited a related case in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, where a Christian lawyer, Mr. Tunde Omobobami, declined to inherit his late father’s title of Ogun Chief Priest.
“The issue eventually resulted in a bloody clas, as the chief-priest designate ran to an unknown destination and we are still looking for him,” he said.
It was however gathered that in the Ileoluji instance, one Mr Similola Adelegan, a nephew to the fleeing Omobobami, has been declared missing in Abuja.
His disappearance, sources said, may not have been unconnected with the imbroglio, owing to bond between him and Omobobami.
