From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Traditional worshippers under the auspices of Concerned Isese Youth on Tuesday staged a peaceful rally in Osogbo, Osun State, warning against religious violence.
According to the group, the rally, tagged “Esu is not Satan Walk,” was organised to sensitise people on misconceptions about a deity called ‘Esu.’
The traditionalists, who converged at Osogbo Township Stadium, marched through Omo West, Aiyetoro, Igbona, Old Garage, and Oja-Oba to their temple, warning people against attributing Esu to bad things or evil.
Speaking at the event, a renowned Ifa priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, called for peaceful coexistence among all religions, emphasising the need to foster harmony and understanding in society.
He described Esu as a deity of discipline, order, and justice, contrary to widespread misconceptions.
According to him, *”There is a lot of misinformation about the Esu deity. We want the public to be aware and to stop blaming the Esu deity when they do wrong. When they steal, they put the allegation on the Esu deity, and when they commit offences. Esu deity has nothing to do with their wrongdoings unless they brought trouble on themselves.
“I’ll appeal to all and sundry to peacefully coexist. We don’t want religious violence in our society. That is why we are doing all we are doing today. We also appeal to all and sundry to desist from violence and abusive statements that may cause trouble in our society,” Elebuibon said.
The President of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, noted that traditionalists are trying to orientate the public and correct deep-seated misconceptions about the Esu deity.