Emir of Ilorin Explains Cancellation of Isese Festival Amid Controversy
In a recent development, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has provided an explanation for the cancellation of the highly anticipated Isese festival, an annual Yoruba cultural ceremony held in the town. The decision has sparked controversy and drawn criticism, including from Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. Soyinka condemned the Emir’s action, describing it as a crime against cultural heritage and an assault on civilized conduct, asserting that it undermined the country’s progress and violated the freedom of belief enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
Responding to the mounting criticism, the Emir addressed the issue, clarifying that the festival’s cancellation was a proactive measure aimed at averting a potential crisis. Emphasizing the need to sustain peaceful coexistence in society, the Emir’s statement, delivered through his spokesperson AbdulAzeez Arowona, stressed that the decision was made to prevent any reprisal attacks by sympathizers or promoters of the Isese festival in other parts of the country. The statement also shed light on the fact that the priestess, Yeye Ajesikemi, had previously lived harmoniously in the town for years until she exceeded her boundaries.
Countering Soyinka’s position, the statement accused him of presenting an incomplete picture of the situation, neglecting the potential chaos that could have arisen had the festival proceeded unchecked. It underscored the importance of preventing crises rather than dealing with their aftermath, highlighting the significant costs and challenges associated with managing such situations. Expressing surprise at Soyinka’s stance, the Emir’s statement compared it to someone who fails to consider the potential consequences of hosting the event, including possible reprisal attacks by sympathizers or promoters of the Isese belief in other parts of the country.
Furthermore, the statement drew attention to the large number of non-indigenous individuals, including serving and retired personnel, as well as business owners, who have chosen to relocate their families to Kwara state due to the peace and harmony prevailing in the region. It also cited Yeye Ajesikemi’s confirmation that she had peacefully coexisted in Ilorin for many years until she overstepped her bounds.
The Emir of Ilorin defended the cancellation of the Isese festival as a proactive measure aimed at preventing potential crises and maintaining peaceful coexistence in society. The decision was made to ensure the avoidance of reprisal attacks and to preserve the peace and harmony that the region has enjoyed. The Emir’s response comes in the face of Wole Soyinka’s criticism, who condemned the cancellation as a violation of cultural heritage and an assault on civilized conduct.
The controversy surrounding the Isese festival cancellation continues to intensify, with advocates for cultural preservation and proponents of crisis prevention engaging in a heated debate over the implications of the Emir’s decision.
