A group, World Institute for Peace has called for urgent enhancement of security measures over upcoming Ifa festival and Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Ile-Ife town of Osun State.
In an open letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mohammed Abba, the Executive Director of WIP, Lamina Omotoyosi said the two events would be held on same day, June 6, saying past incidents have shown that the two religious worshippers clashed.
Omotoyosi, while drawing the CP to past incidents of crisis between the two religious groups, sought for proactive steps to avoid another chaos in the ancient town.
The state governor, Ademola Adeleke; Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Adejobi Olumuyiwa; Director,
Department of State Services,
Osun State Command; Commandant,
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command and Amotekun Corps were copied in the letter made available on Sunday.
Titled: “Urgent call for enhanced security measures during upcoming religious festivals in Ile-Ife: A stitch in time saves nine,” the letter recommended strong collaboration and synergy between security agencies in the state and a meeting between concerned religious leaders in the town for the anticipated proactive measures.
“I write to bring to your immediate attention a matter of significant concern regarding the potential for religious unrest during the forthcoming religious festivals scheduled for June 6, 2025, particularly in Ile Ife, Osun State.
“It has come to my attention that the Annual World Ifa Festival and Pilgrimage will take place on the same day as the Eid El Kabir celebrations, which is a day of great importance for the Muslim community. This overlap is particularly concerning as the temple of the Ifa Festival is located in close proximity to the Ile Ife Central Mosque, where a large congregation of Muslims will gather for Jumaat prayers. Given the historical context of tensions between traditional worshippers and Muslims in the area, it is imperative that we take proactive measures to prevent any potential crisis. Take note that as muslims will be in their thousands so also the traditionalists also will gather in thousands, same day.
“In light of past incidents where clashes have occurred between some traditional and islamic groups in Ile Ife, I urge you to implement maximum security measures to ensure the safety and peace of all residents and participants during these significant events. I recommend that you collaborate with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant civilian security outfits/paramilitary organizations to create a comprehensive security plan for the day.
“Furthermore, I suggest convening a meeting with key community leaders, including the Grand Chief Imam of Osogbo, who is the head of the League of Imams and Alfas in Osun state, the Chief Imam of Ile Ife, and the head of traditional worshippers in Osun State and Ile Ife. This dialogue will be crucial in fostering understanding and cooperation among the different religious groups, thereby mitigating the risk of conflict.
“Additionally, I encourage you to engage with His Imperial Majesty, Olofin Adimula, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, to discuss this urgent matter and seek his support in promoting peace and harmony in Ile Ife and its surroundings.
“This letter serves as an open appeal for your prompt action, and our organization will also submit a formal copy to your office. We hope that both communications (online and the hard copy) will be taken seriously, as they reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
“While I thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. I look forward to your swift response and the implementation of necessary measures to maintain peace during these important festivals,” the letter read.