The President, Ancient Religion Societies Of African Descendants International Council (ARSADIC) , Aare Ifagbenusola Atanda has cleared the air that Isese Festival has been banned by the Kwara State Police Command. This was negatively reported in some section of the media.
The ARSADIC President Are Ifagbenusola Atanda warned subversive elements in the State to stop hiding under the umbrella of the celebration of Isese Day to foment trouble in the State. He stressed further that no one has the right whatsoever to ban the celebration of Isese Day anywhere in the country.
According to him , the report released by the State Commissioner of Police, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi didn’t ban Isese Day it’s very clear in the statement released by the Kwara State Police Command. It’s therefore misinterpreted by some section of the media.
Consequence on this , the Traditionalist advised that no one should hide under the guise of religion to cause mayhem in Kwara in order to foster selfish and religious agenda.
The Asiwaju Awo Agbaye , Atanda stated that no one can deny any Nigerian the right to practice or celebrate according to the tenets of his or her religion.
“In as much as we stay within our boundaries, we deserve due respect to observe our festivals just like the Moslems celebrate Hijirah and Eid-el-Fitri and the Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter.
“But our advice to those planning to bring or mobilize people to Kwara State in the name of celebrating Isese Day is that they should not do so. We agree with the Kwara State police authorities that people should not converge on the state to celebrate any day for now”.
“We are peace-loving people but we deserve respect for our faith. Isese Day can be celebrated in adherents’ homes, private religious family gatherings and gardens as may be convenient and conducive in the interest of peace, harmony and tranquility in the land”.
“But we should not equally fail to know that Isese Day celebrations are done independently in different states, local government areas and family homes as established by our forefathers'”
“We want to state categorically that the fliers being referred to by the Kwara State Police in connection with the Isese Day do not have our blessings and do not represent the combined Orisa denominations”. ARSADIC President Ifagbenusola Atanda stated in the address.
However, it should be noted that the Nigeria Police has a statutory responsibility to maintain law and order, protection of lives and properties. The police cannot fold it’s arms and watch some disgruntled elements plunge the state into uncontrollable unrest.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi reiterated that so long it conform under the confide to celebrate without rancour it’s a welcome development. Religious activities should be for peace and not to violent the constitutional right of anyone or cause civil disobedience.
The Command under my watch will not tolerate or be intimidated by this elements of the state to forestall trouble, the State Police Commissioner therefore wish celebrants to ensure it is peaceful and orderly.
