Community seeks monarch’s intervention over religious disparity

By Motolani AbdulGafar

Residents of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government have appealed to the Baale of Awoyaya community over the disorderly practice of traditional festival celebration in the community.

According to them, the community comprises residents of diverse religious beliefs, and that the Nigerian constitution permits freedom of religion but some of the deeds of the traditional festival celebration hinder the free movement of people during the day.

They proposed that the Oro festival should be a stipulated nighttime celebration where residents would be aware of their activities without disrupting anyone’s affairs but the daytime celebration has caused serious traffic and physical and mental stress to all commuters.

They appealed for the intervention of monarchics in the community over the issue.

However, in a related development, Isiaka Eleku wrote on Ibeju Lekki Decide: “Please kindly permit me to stand on the existing protocol. First and foremost I want to correct the impression of the posted picture that Awoyaya Town has more than one Baale of which the posted picture is not only the traditional Chief of the Community.

“Secondly I also want us to understand no Community is without its custom and Tradition. People only get it wrong from hypocrites and saboteurs and false information. There are provisions for residents and non-indigenous, people around the community, more so, there are provisions for people passing through the alternative route which neither affect men nor women inside any vehicles and pedestrians.

“I want to plead to whomever reasons from his or her perspective that it is the community customs and they are doing it based on their worship to fortify the town. It is still this same community that harbour other religions. If we are not part of them, let’s remember to give what belongs to them, according to the scholars. If anyone wants to ask questions call any of the stakeholders in the town. They don’t have the mind to disturb any activities but it usually happens once in two to three years. We are sorry for any inconvenience.”