Don’t provoke our members, ARSARDIC warns Islamic extremists

The cited the recent event in Ilorin, where one of its members, Yeye Omolara Ajesekemi, an Osun devotee and priestess, was harassed and intimidated over her faith by some Muslims.

In a statement by the ARSADIC President, Aare (Dr) Ifagbenusola Atanda, the group also warned that religious fundamentalism must not be encouraged in any form and in any part of the nation.

Atanda, who is also the Asiwaju Awo Agbaye, said it was wrong for a Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, and the spokesperson of the Emir of Ilorin, Abdulazeez Arowona, to threaten Yeye Ajesekemi and to stop her from holding Isese festival in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The statement reads: “As long as we, the traditional religion adherents, know our boundary not to throw offensives at other faiths, we will resist any attempt to trample on our rights to freedom of religion and association as well spelt out in the Nigerian Constitution.

“We will never fold our arms and allow extremists in any guise to deny us our God-given rights supported by the laws of Nigeria as a secular state. We are quite aware that Ilorin, Kwara State is an integral part of Nigeria and we are ready to defend our faith.