Muslim/Masquerade Worshippers Clash: Osun Police Arrest Chief Imam, Son Of Esu Priest

The Police in Osun State have arrested and detained the Chief Imam of Kamorudeen Central Mosque, Qosim Yusuf and son of an Esu priest, Ifashola Esuleke over a clash that broke out at the mosque in Osogbo on Sunday.

Recall that some masquerades and their followers had clashed with some Muslim faithful at the Kamorudeen mosque, Oluode Aranyin area of Osogbo, where one cleric, Moshood Salawudeen was shot dead and 14 others severely injured.

Ifashola Esuleke

The custodian of the masquerades in Osogbo and a renowned Esu Priest, Chief Kayode Esuleke, had been detained on Tuesday evening over allegation of murder and destruction of property in the mosque premises.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode had ordered an Assistant Commissioner of Police to take over investigation of the clash.

It was learnt that the police invited Yusuf on Wednesday around 10:30pm and he has not returned home since then.

Chief Esuleke had alleged that two of his men suffered injuries during the clash, forcing the police to invite the Imam for questioning.

Also, son of the Esu Priest, Ifashola Esuleke was arrested on Thursday over alleged roles he played during the clash.

Lawyer of the Chief Imam, Hashim Abioye, confirmed that his client had been detained for investigation.

He said, “There is murder on the side of the masqueraders and on the Chief Imam’s side is assault. The reason why we have not queried the detention of Imam is that he can be there for 24 hours.

“He was invited yesterday night. He went to the police station himself. The allegation of assault is a bailable offence, unlike the masqueraders.”

President of Traditional Religion Worshippers (TRAWSO) Osun chapter, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, confirmed Ifashola’s arrest.

Atanda said, “We are working towards an amicable resolution of the crisis between the Muslims and masquerade worshippers.”