ILORIN BORN ISLAMIC SCHOLAR BLASTS PROF WOLE SOYINKA

Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian playwright and Nobel laureate, wrote an open letter to the Emir of Ilorin over the cancellation of the Isese festival proposed by an Osun priestess, Omolara Olatunji, popularly known as Yeye Ajesikemi.

Speaking during an interview with Afrika Eyes, Imam Ismail Dare Olawuwo, said one of the factors contributing to the peaceful coexistence in Ilorin is the strong influence of Islamic teachings, which emphasize peace, unity, and respect for others.

According to him, the people of Ilorin, regardless of their religious affiliations, have imbibed these values, leading to a peaceful and harmonious society.

Ilorin is a city that has a long history of promoting social integration and peaceful coexistence.

The cleric, while reacting to the open letter written by Prof Soyinka, said the Nobel laureate who is an atheist does not have an inherent right to discuss religious tolerance.

Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari is the custodian of this city and the protector. Therefore, he has the moral right to send people to the acclaimed Osun priestess to cancel the event over the Isese festival that she plans to celebrate.

Religious tolerance is a fundamental principle that promotes peaceful coexistence and respect for diverse beliefs. No one said that Iya Osun should not practice her religion but she has known that where one right ends, another one right begins. She can worship anything she wants in her house but not outside, as the community is owned by the emirate.

Barrister Olawuwo said Soyinka as an elder statesman needs to approach discussions on religious tolerance with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the diverse perspectives and experiences of different religious communities.