Traditionalists demand same recognition as Christians, Muslims

Traditional worshippers, yesterday, urged the Federal Government and all state governments to accord them the same recognition as Christians and Muslims.

They made the demand during a media briefing in Ibadan to herald the 2023 world Ifa Festival.

The Araba (Olu Isese) Agbaye, Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni, who addressed the press conference, urged governments to give due recognition to traditional religion.

Aworeni, whose speech was delivered by Jagunmolu Awo Agbaye, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, said that traditional religion has never waged any kind of war against any religion.

He said: “I use this opportunity to call on government from local to the national levels to give due recognition to our traditional religion and treat it the same way the alien religions are being treated.

‘’This appeal is also extended to our traditional rulers. Our kings are implored to promote Yoruba traditional religion, which is the basis of the crowns on their heads.

“The world yearly Ifa festival has commenced since last two weeks with pilgrimage to our sacred shrines and grooves in Ekiti State. The activities in Ile-Ife will commence on Thursday, June 1, 2023 and the grand finale will be on Saturday, June 3, 2023, which is the last day of the year with the last worship of the year in the World Ifa Temple, Oke Itase, Ile-Ife, Osun State.”