Exclusive: Religious war looms in Osun State as Muslim cleric As-Salafy calls Egungun devotees weaklings

Oluko Agba As-Salafy, a prominent Muslim cleric in Iwo, Osun State, has ignited a firestorm of reactions after challenging Egungun devotees to a religious war.

In a viral video dated Sunday August 18, 2024, As-Salafy openly ridiculed the Egungun followers, labelling them as a weak and inconsequential group, and naming various denominations associated with the Egungun tradition in the state.

Watch the video here.

The cleric’s inflammatory statements have drawn widespread condemnation from a cross-section of Osun State residents, including members of the Muslim community, who fear that such statements could provoke serious religious conflict in an already volatile region.

Public Outcry and Reactions

Idris Aremu Hassan: “Highly disappointed in you sir. You don’t understand the Quran you’re reading. ‘Lakum dinukum waliya din,’ let them be. Are you perfect also?”

HighBee ChickenPoint: “Walai, oloriburuku ni Alfa yi. What lesson is in this rubbish he is doing? Does this propagate Islam? This is stupidity of the highest order.”

Ismail Alayo: “No, no. This is not the doctrine of Islam. The idol worshipers are not stopping you from practicing your deen. Please kindly desist from this act.”

Taju Ologede: “They are beating the drums of war. But when the problem starts, nobody should blame the Egungun people.”

Adebayo David: “This 419 king has used religion to destroy Iwo as a town.”

Habeeb Abiola: “Your Oluwo will cause problems for you. Don’t call on others when the war starts.”

Yaya Basirat: “These people are stupid. In this civilized world, some people are still doing nonsense like this. I am not blaming them because that nuisance king wants to turn Iwo into an Alimogiri state like the North. Your people, citizens of Iwo land, sit down there and look at your king. If he causes a problem now, he will run away. I am not blaming you people because your eyes are not open.”

Ayoade Ayo: “Please, security agencies should caution these alakatakiti Alfas before they cause chaos and civil and religious war in Iwo and the entire Osun State. The governor of Osun should wake up before it is too late. Please let there be peace in Nigeria. God bless Nigeria.”

Olusesan Bankole: “When they start raining curses on Prophet Mohammed, you begin to condemn them to death by stoning. Why can’t you propagate your religion without mentioning or denigrating others? Is Islam feeling insecure?”

The reactions encapsulate a broad spectrum of discontent, with many urging for peace and cautioning against actions that could escalate into religious violence.

The call for intervention by security agencies and political authorities underscores the gravity of the situation.

Historical Context and Potential Implications

The Egungun festival, deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition, is an annual event celebrating ancestral spirits, characterized by vibrant masquerades and ritualistic performances.

The festival has coexisted with various religious practices, including Islam, in Osun State for centuries. However, the cleric’s recent statements threaten to disrupt this delicate balance.

Religious tensions in Nigeria, particularly between Muslim and traditional religious communities, have historically led to unrest. The potential for violence in Osun State is a serious concern, given the historical precedent of religious conflicts in the country.

Calls for Peace and Unity

Community leaders and religious scholars have called for calm and dialogue to prevent the situation from escalating. The governor of Osun State, alongside traditional rulers and security agencies, is urged to mediate and ensure that peace prevails.

The challenge now lies in addressing the cleric’s provocative statements while fostering an environment of mutual respect and tolerance. As tensions rise, the onus is on community leaders, religious authorities, and the government to step in and quell any potential unrest, ensuring that the rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity in Osun State remains intact.