Yeye Ajesikemi Omolara, the Isese devotee, bullied by the Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, in Ilorin, into canceling a scheduled Isese Festival in the state, has blamed social media for many of the ongoing religious conflicts in the country.
Yeye Omolara was harassed in July by Muslim clerics who stormed her home, claiming to have been sent by the Emir of Ilorin, to warn her against proceeding with her scheduled Isese festival.
On how the cancellation of her festival affected her, Yeye Omolara, in an interview with The PUNCH Sunday, said, “I canceled my festival because I want peace to reign. It’s sad how Muslims suddenly became our enemies.
We have been cohabiting for a long time without issues, and traditionalists have been in Ilorin for a long time, it’s really sad that we cannot practice our faith in peace among the Muslims, they see us as threats whereas we are peace-loving people
On why Yeye Omolara thinks Muslims in the state see Isese devotees as threats, she said, “The major issue is social media. I wouldn’t be biased, both parties are to be blamed for the social media escalation of issues.
“I can not point at one thing however social media isn’t doing much good. You see Muslims insulting and degrading us and we in turn respond to their insults. These back and forth trigger many.
“Sincerely I do not know why they see us as a danger or threat to them, because honestly, I am surprised. Yoruba Muslims have always been reasonable and peaceful, the sudden hatred is a mystery. Every Yoruba has its foundation in Isese except we want to deceive ourselves.
Yeye Omolara also touched on the case of popular Isese activist Talolorun who was recently arrested for insulting the Emir of Ilorin. She said, .
On a clip of Talolorun burning pages of a Quran, Yeye Omolara said, “Well, we have seen videos where alfas burnt clothing belonging to masquerade, cases were they have disrespected Isese worshippers, the reason I said social media is the main tool of war.
“They should look at both sides and temper justice with mercy, I am not saying Talolorun has done well by burning the Qur’an or insulting the Emir, but I am saying both parties are guilty and hereby plead with the judge to please judge with fairness and mercy.”
