The Christian Association of Nigeria in Ile-Ife has called for religious tolerance, kicking against a curfew imposed by traditional worshipers in Ile-Ife.
The CAN chairman, Sam’Leye Onitiju, stated this at a press conference in Ile-Ife at St Paul Anglican Church, Ayegbaju Area.
Mr Onitiju said CAN’s attention was drawn to a press release by Obalesu Dada, the chief priest in charge of Obatala traditional worshippers, stating that people should stay indoors between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the Oro-Owa Ilare festival, which is coming up during the period.
He recalled that on May 15, 2023, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, held a peaceful meeting in his palace with religious leaders and the then-police commissioner.
According to him, the meeting was attended by AbdulHammed AbdulSemiu, the chief imam of Ifeland, and himself.
Mr Onitiju indicated that at that meeting, the Ooni emphasised the need for religious tolerance and warned against the illegal restriction of people’s movement in broad daylight.
He encouraged all Christians to observe their holy week services in churches across Ifeland without fear of molestation and attack from any individual or group of people.
“And we want to inform the inspector general of police, Osun state commissioner of police and the area commander of police to ensure that the peace reigning in Ile-Ife is not disrupted.
“And no one should be molested by anybody or group of people under the disguise of any religious rite.
“As Christians in Ifeland, we are very proud of Ooni as an advocate of peace, and we are ready to partner with him on this peaceful mission,” he stated.