The Oba Ìsèse, Ogun State and Chairman, Ìsèse Kingdom Of Truth Association Of Nigeria, Oba (Dr.) Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun has cautioned an Islamic cleric, Sheikh (Dr.) Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, Al-miskinubilahi, Mufti of Ilorin to desist from making inciting statements capable of breaching the peace, while preaching.
Adifagbola Balogun made the call at a press conference held at his temple, in Idi-Ori, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, against the backdrop of Onikijipa’s viral video demanding that Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, denounce/renounce traditional worshippers.
He reminded the clerics of their roles in the society, saying that they should always strive to be shining examples both in words and in deeds, noting that Yorùbá Obas in the country are under the traditional worshippers, as they are the custodians of cultures and traditions.
He also appealed to Sheikh Onikijipa to fashion out ways that would propagate genuine teachings of the Islamic religion, not inciting the traditionalists against any religion in the country, saying traditional worshippers are lovers of peace and tranquility.
He said: “Prophet Muhammad preached peace, love and unity and as true followers of Islam, you should try to emulate the same so that we can enjoy both here and in eternity because there is no gain in rancor and misunderstanding.”
The traditionalist urged Nigerians to tolerate one another, live in peace with one another, irrespective of religious, cultural or ethnic differences, noting that Sheikh Onikijipa is not in a position to persuade any Muslim or Christian Obas to denounce or renounce the method that put them on the stools of their forefathers.
The message from the traditionalist came after Sheikh (Dr.) Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, Al-miskinubilahi, Mufti of Ilorin, allegedly delivered inciting preaching during his public sermon in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, recently.
