Miffed by the increasing number of ritual killings in the South-West, heads of traditional religion in Oyo State have cautioned against labeling ritualists as Babalawos (Ifa priests).
Speaking on behalf of the body, the Araba of Ibadanland and Olu Isese of Oyo State, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, condemned the practice, stating that most individuals apprehended for ritual killings are not true adherents of Ifa and often belong to other faiths.
“I want to use this medium once again to condemn ritual killings that are now rampant in our society. I equally want to caution people of other faiths whose adherents were mostly the ones involved in the act to desist from calling them Babalawos (Ifa priests).”
Araba of Ibadanland, while reacting to the recent arrest of one Alfa Muhammed Adekunle over the killing of a 14-year-old boy, Malik Kareem in Ibadan, condemned the action and also cautioned those who are of the opinion that those involved in ritual killings are Babalawos (Ifa priests).
“Ritual killings must be condemned in all ramifications. May Ifa give families of victims the fortitude to the irreparable loss. Just as we condemn ritual killings; we equally want to caution Mr Sherifidini Ayede, the General Chairman of Okegbemi Community Association, Seriki Olosaoko against his remark that the Alfa arrested (Alfa Muhammed Adekunle) is Babalawo.
The Group warned that henceforth, adherents of Ifa will be going to Court to seek redress against those labeling ritualists as Babalawos, while in actual sense are adherents of other religions.
“We urge people of all faiths to stop labeling these individuals as Babalawos,” emphasizing the need for unity among religious leaders and security agencies to combat ritual killings in society. We equally express gratitude to Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat who quickly cautioned those calling the arrested Alfa, Babalawo.”