Isese adherents in the Country are asking the Federal Government to establish a council to regulate traditional religion and practice in the country.
Two prominent adherents in Lagos, Secretary, Obatala Agbaye Temple, Ile-Ife, Oladotun Hassan, and Yeye Sewa of Isese, Epe Division, Abimbola Hasan-Lawal made the position when they featured today on Adamimogo 93.1FM’s Public Affairs Programme, The Follow Up.
They argued that such regulation would aid to clarify misconceptions about African religions and improve its acceptability.
Hassan said; “The Government should go beyond just recognizing the (Isese) day but should also create a special religion council that would regulate those practicing this African Traditional religion, Just as we have Council for Christians and Muslims.”
Hasan-Lawal aligned noting, “Just like the other two major religions, I consider it necessary for the establishment of a Council or regulatory body fully funded and supported by the Government.
“This would help interactions and help to expose certain facts not known to some people, clarify some misguided issues and misinformation.”
On the recent controversies surrounding celebration of Isese day in Ilorin, Kwara State, Both adherents urged traditional, community and religious leaders to not only preach but display tolerance as all religions are denominations in service of one God.
Earlier, Iya Abiye of Ikate-Land, Abiye Oluwakemi expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving a public holiday to commemorate Isese day.
She appraised the efforts of Traditional Religious leaders in reforming religious practices.
“I want to thank our Father, leader, Ifasegun Elegushi Opemolua, he has done a lot to revamp traditional religious practices to in line with modern day realities and that is why when people do evil things under the guise of religious practice, we punish them when necessary,” She said.
Speaking on the significance of the day, YeyeOsun of Ikate land and a Princess of the Royal Family, Abisoye Elegushi thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving Traditional Worshippers due recognition.
“We must not despise our traditional religion, a lot of us, including myself, who initially abandoned the practice for something else, came back to realise that we made grave errors and are now back to practicing it as we should.
“For me as an Osun Worshipper, I’m grateful for this recognition. This holiday means that we Onisese (traditional worshippers) are valued, respected and acknowledged in the society, especially in Lagos State, Princess Elegushi said.
While Isese Day has always been commemorated annually on August 20, this year’s celebration has received wider recognition following the decision of the Governments of Lagos, Oyo, Osun and Ogun states to declares special holidays to celebrate the day.
