CAN Sues For Religious Tolerance In Ile-Ife

– Describes Curfew Declared By Obatala Worshipers Illegal

By Rafiu Agboola, Osogbo

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ile-Ife chapter, has called for religious tolerance among the residents of the ancient town.

The call was made by CAN Chairman in Ile-Ife, Rev Canon Sam Leye Onitiju while addressing a press conference addressed in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

The man of God made the call on the heel of the curfew allegedly declared by the Obatala traditional worshipers in Ile-Ife.

Recall that the Oro worshippers had declared a five-hour curfew in Ile-Ife, on Monday 25th March, 2024 to take effect today, Wednesday, 27th March, 2024 from 2 pm to 7 pm.

Reacting, CAN Chairman described the action of the Obatala traditional worshipers as illegal and called for the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Commissioner of Police and other security agents to call them to order.

The statement reads in part:

“Greetings to His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of ife as Christian in ife land we are very proud of you as an advocate of peace. And we are ready to partner with his imperial majesty on this peaceful mission.

“Also greetings go to all christians in the land happy holy week and Easter festival.

“As Christian Association of Nigeria Ile-Ife our attention has been drawn to a press release by Obalesu Dada on behalf of Obatala traditional worshippers on illegal movement restriction and stay in doors of people in some areas in lle-Ife on Wednesday 27th March, 2024 between 2pm-7pm.

“We want to brings to the notice of Christians and dwellers in Ile-ife that His imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi during the peace meeting with religion leaders and Osun State Commissioner of Police on May 15th, 2023 held in his palace.

“The Muslims led by Chief Imam Alhaji Abdul Semiy Abdul Hammed the Christian led by CAN chairman Rev, Canon Dr Sam Leye Onitiju and traditionalist led by Obalesu Dada himself, Kabiyesi emphasis on the need for religion tolerance and also warmed against the restriction of movement of people in broad daylight.

“in the light of the above, we encourage all christians to observe their holy week services in churches a cross ife land without fear of molestation and attack from any individual and/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 normal reigning of peace in lle-Ife is not disrupted and no one should be molested by anybody or group of people under the disguise of any religious rite”.