Muslim Youths Attacked Traditional Worshipers During Festival In Osun

There was confusion in Iwo, Osun State, on Friday when some Muslim youth clashed with traditional worshippers (masquerades), setting the regalia of one traditionalist on fire. The man behind the masquerade, simply called Ogundeji, was beaten to pulp before the regalia were burnt. The victim sustained severe injuries and barely escaped the scene to safety.

The incident occurred during the annual Egungun Festival in Iwo and almost disrupted the activities of the traditionalists in the ancient town. The Muslim group, known as Kamarudeen Muslim Society, was said to be organising a religious programme when the traditionalists came by and demanded that they must stop their drumming, which drew the anger of the Muslims following which a free-for-all fight ensued.

The head of traditionalists in Iwo, known as the Alagbaa of Iwoland, Ojelana Ojeseyi, expressed disappointment over the act, describing the action as barbaric and inhuman. Ojeseyi maintained that the action of the Muslim group violated the fundamental rights of traditional worshippers hence the need for government and its agencies to intervene in the matter.

Speaking on the burnt regalia, Ogundeji lamented that the action had consumed his inheritance. He explained that it would cost N20 million to replace the regalia and prepare concoctions and sacrifices to appease spirit of the burnt masquerade and to design another one. Executive secretary, Iwo Local Government Area, Alhaji Kamorudeen Alao, said the attack was capable of causing religious crisis in the ancient town, although relevant government agencies had intervened in the matter.

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Sunday Akere, also said government would look into the matter.