Traditionalists under the aegis of International Forum of Araba/Oluawo (Ajo Awon Araba/Oluawo L’Agbaye), Oyo State chapter have called on the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde to call Sheik Muhideen Bello to order over his recent statement on Alaafin which according to them could lead to religious crisis in the State.
The traditionalists in a statement signed by Araba Oluisese of Ibadanland, accused Sheik Muhideen Bello and some other Islamic cleric of trying to cause religious crisis by meddling into matters that has to do with culture and tradition of Yoruba people.
“As peace loving traditional religion worshippers in Oyo state, we are using this medium to call on the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo state, the State Director of State Security Services, the Chief Imam of Ibadan, the Chief Imam of Oyo, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and other notable Muslim leaders to call Sheik Muhideen Bello and other Islamic Clerics to order regarding their statements that could bring about religious crisis in Oyo state.”
The traditionalists said that the issue of who will become Alaafin or how will Alaafin emerge, that Sheik Muhideen Bello is meddling with is simply an issue of culture and tradition of the people. The Oyo Mesi will consult Ifa oracle to know who is best suited for the position.
“The statement credited to Sheik Muhideen Bello that Ifa should no longer be consulted in choosing new Alaafin is unfortunate. It is simply a matter that has to do with culture and tradition of our people. “
Speaking further, the traditionalists also condemned what they called as threats to the life of a traditionalist known as ‘Talolohun”, by some Islamic clerics.”
“We are using this medium to tell the whole world that traditionalists all over Nigeria and the rest of the world are solidly behind ‘Talolohun”.
“We also enjoined the Oyo Mesi to follow the laydown process of consulting Ifa oracle to choose the next Alaafin of Oyo. They must not be discouraged by the statement of Sheik Muhideen Bello.”