Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland,
Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, on Tuesday, warned those behind the religious crisis in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to desist from acts that can set Yorubaland on fire.
Adams insisted that Yorubaland will resist any attempt to denigrate the revered stool and palace of the Ooni of Ife.
The Yoruba generalissimo was reacting to the crisis between some Muslims and Traditional worshippers in Ile-Ife, saying the palace of the Ooni of Ife is the sacred heritage of the Yoruba race.
While speaking during the “Harvest of Praise”, which is part of the Day-8 programme of the ongoing Eledumare Festival, held at Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, Aare Adams warned those fanning the embers of war to stop the idea or be ready to face the wrath of Yoruba ancestors.
“We are not going to fold our arms and watch religious fanatics cause crisis in Yorubaland.
“The Muslims, Christians and Traditional religion believers have been living together in peace in Ile-Ife for centuries without crisis. So, why are some people now using religion to fan the ember of crisis in Yorubaland.
“Ooni’s palace is our glass house. It is our heritage, nobody, no matter how highly placed in the society, has the power to throw stone at the palace, which is the heritage of my race.”
Adams also applauded the peaceful move embarked upon by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who, he said handled the crisis in a very mature manner.
“By virtue of my position as the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba and, it is my responsibility to defend the sacred stool and throne of the Ooni of Ife, because it is the sacred stool of all Yoruba and the heritage of all sons and daughters of Yoruba race.”
Adams, while urging the youth to remain calm in order not to be used as tools to foment trouble, said: “I am appealing to the youth not to allow any religious fanatic to use them against their ancestors in Yorubaland.The youth should not be used as tools to denigrate Yoruba tradition in Yoruba land.
“Ile Ife is sacred as the cradle of Yoruba race. It is the city of hope and abundance for Yoruba race.
“The United States was not built on
religion, China became one of the leading economies in the world, not because of religion but because they protect their heritage and tradition. That is part of what makes China the envy of the world economic super power.”
The Yoruba generalissimo,also urged members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC ) to use the various programmes of the ongoing Eledumare Festival to seek spiritual blessing, maintaining that Praise is the key to abundant blessings and favour.
He added that the 21-day programme of the Eledumare Festival is a spiritual journey that will turn Yorubaland around positively.
“We are using this programme to connect to God and it is my hope that God will always reward our efforts as we celebrate God with Praise.”
Dignitaries present at the event include the Baale of Oluti,Amuwo Kuje,Chief Rasaq Bashir Busari, Prophet Peter Oyewole of the C and S,Ijedodo,Lagos, members of the Aareonakakanfo Chiefs in Council, members of the National Executive Council and National Coordinating Council NCC of the organization. .
