Emir of Ilorin Clarifies Decision to Cancel Isese Festival, Citing Peaceful Coexistence

In response to the recent controversy surrounding the cancellation of the annual Isese festival, a revered Yoruba cultural ceremony, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has provided a detailed explanation, emphasizing the imperative of maintaining peace and preventing potential crises. Renowned Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, had criticized the emir for what he deemed an affront to the cultural heritage of humanity and an assault on civilized conduct.

The Emir of Ilorin, in a statement released through his spokesperson, AbdulAzeez Arowona, expressed that the decision to cancel the festival was a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding the harmony within the society. The primary concern was to avoid situations that could escalate into reprisal attacks by sympathizers or promoters of the Isese festival in other parts of the country.

Addressing the criticisms leveled against him, the Emir highlighted the need to set the record straight, asserting that Soyinka appeared to overlook the potential for conflict and chaos that the festival’s continuation might have entailed. The Emir stressed that taking preemptive action was crucial, as the cost of managing a crisis far outweighed the wisdom and courage required to prevent it from occurring.

The statement emphasized the importance of proactive measures to sustain peaceful coexistence in society, underscoring the surprise felt at Soyinka’s position, which seemingly neglected the potential consequences that could arise if the Isese festival were to proceed unchecked. It cautioned against the possibility of reprisal attacks by proponents of the festival from other regions of the country.

Additionally, the Emir highlighted the diverse community in Kwara, with non-indigenous individuals, including serving and retired personnel, as well as business owners who have chosen to relocate their families to the state due to the prevailing peace and harmony. The statement also noted that the priestess in question had lived harmoniously in Ilorin for several years until her actions exceeded the bounds of acceptable conduct.

In conclusion, the Emir of Ilorin defended the decision to cancel the Isese festival, reiterating the commitment to preserving peace and averting potential crises that could arise from hosting the event. The statement sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the rationale behind the cancellation while shedding light on the potential risks associated with its continuation.