OGUN RESOLVES RELIGIOUS CRISIS IN IKENNE
Olorunfemi Ojo
Quick intervention of Ogun State Government has doused tension over looming religious crisis in Ikenne Local Government Area of the State over annual Oro festival in the community.
A release by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lateef Ositelu stated that, the tension was as a result of Oro festival by the Oro worshipers and Muslim faithful during Holy Month of Ramadan.
The statement said, reaching a consensus at finding a lasting solution to the crisis, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, at a peace meeting with the two religious leaders and other stakeholders in Abeokuta, urged Chief Jossy Bello, the Olumale of Ikenne Community to restrict their rituals to their quarters.
He also maintained that the grand finale of Oro festival should come to an end by seven o’clock in the evening, Saturday 26th July,2014.
The decision according to the commissioner would encourage religious tolerance by giving room for the Muslim Communities to observe the night of Lahilatul- quadr in preparation for Eid-el- fitr.
Basorun Oladipo enjoined Mr. Fasasi Kamor, Head of Coalition of Muslim Organisation in Remo land to be more tolerant and shun any act of religious violence that could disrupt the peaceful co-existence in the Community.
He charged Hon. Salako Tajudeen, Chairman, Ikenne Local Government and Mr. Alabi Lateef, Divisional Police Officer, Ikenne to ensure that all the concerned religious parties sign an undertaken to forestall break down of law and order and provide adequate security during the festivals.
Chief Jossy Bello, Olumale of Ikenne and Mr. Fasasi K.A, Head of Coalition of Muslim Organization in Remo land jointly appreciated the quick intervention of the State Government for finding a lasting solution to the crisis promising that they would abide with consensus reached at the meeting.
