From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association of Osun State has called on the state government to allow the use of the Ifa system in the selection of traditional rulers and the kingmakers should be allowed to play their traditional role in the emergence of Obas.
The association urged law enforcement agents to thoroughly investigate and prosecute any individual caught engaging in the act, just as it dissociated its members from illegal acts of ritual killings that have been on the increase across the country lately.
Speaking shortly after his swearing-in for another term of office, the President, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, also disclosed plans to complete work on the Administrative Block at its secretariat located in Abere, in the next 100 days.
“Isese is not associated with ritual killings or money rituals. Anybody caught by law enforcement officers should be thoroughly investigated and if guilty, be prosecuted accordingly.
“There is no verse of Ifa that prescribes money ritual and our fathers have said that money ritual is alien to our religion and culture. We enjoin our youths to be wary of the kind of friends they associate with as the present viral case is a clear association of greed, bad company, and borrowed culture as revealed in the viral video.
“Olorisas are God-fearing and loving people and we must always be examples of true believers of God. Let us show by example. Osun State Government is commended for attempting to correct some anomalies in the selection process of Obas, but we also advise that Kingmakers should be allowed to play their traditional role while allowing the Ifa system of selection to prevail.
“Oba is a traditional title and any Prince who is not ready to embrace the tradition of our forefathers should not go near the throne. If he chooses to do so, let him go through the traditional Ipebi and he will be accepted. It is time to stop the trend of Obas who embarrass our cherished heritage.”
The plans of the executive in the new term, Atanda declared “a 100-day target for this new executive to complete the Administrative Block at the TRWASO HQ at Abere which is presently at 60% completion.
“We also hope that the other 2 buildings will be completed before the end of our 3 years in office. We are counting on the support of all. Let me also remind you that this project was conceived to be used as a fundraiser for the TRWASO Education Trust Fund.
“The piece of land given to the traditional religion worshippers association had been fully paid for by the past administration. However, it is unfortunate that some unscrupulous elements are trespassing on the land. May we sound a note of warning that whosoever has a hand in unlawfully destroying established pillars or construction work on this site should desist from such and seek legal redress, if they so feel such land is in contest,” Atanda said.