Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has voiced his criticism over the cancellation of the Isese festival, a significant Yoruba cultural event held in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
In an open letter published on Thursday, Soyinka highlighted that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of belief, emphasizing that the cancellation of the festival would hinder the country’s progress.
The controversy arose when Yeye Ajesikemi Omolara, a priestess, announced that this year’s Isese festival would take place from July 22 to 24. However, a video released by the Majilisu Shabab li Ulamahu Muslim group warned the priestess against organizing the event, claiming that the order came from Sulu Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin.
Addressing the Emir directly in his open letter, Soyinka described the halting of the festival as “a crime against the cultural heritage of all humanity” and “an assault on civilized conduct.”
He further remarked, “Year after year, Ramadan has been celebrated in this nation as an inclusive gathering of humanity, irrespective of divergences of belief. Not once, in my entire span of existence, have I encountered pronouncements by followers of any faith that the slaughtering of rams on the streets and market places is an offense to their concept of godhead.”
Soyinka drew attention to the fact that individuals with different beliefs, such as vegetarians and Buddhists, peacefully coexist without interfering in each other’s practices. He also highlighted the efforts made in Abu Dhabi to foster religious tolerance and mutual respect, contrasting it with the situation at hand.
Expressing concern, Soyinka noted that such conduct could give rise to extremist groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, and ISWAP, which have inflicted grief and outrage upon Nigeria, tarnishing the once peaceful landscape.
In his plea to the Emir, Soyinka urged him to seek reconciliation with the priestess to promote peaceful coexistence, respect for different worldviews, and the celebration of diverse values and humanity.
