Traditionalists are not ritual killers —TRWASO president

The Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association of Osun State (TRWASO), on Wednesday, dissociated its members from the ritual killings that have been on the increase across the country lately, noting that the tenets of the religion are against such practices.

Speaking shortly after his swearing-in for another term of office, the President of TRWASO, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, urged law enforcement agents to thoroughly investigate and prosecute any individual caught engaging in the act, maintaining that ritual killing is alien to traditional religion and culture.

While commenting on the importance of tradition in the selection of monarchs, Atanda, who called on the state government to allow the use of the Ifa system in the selection of traditional rulers, noted that kingmakers should be allowed to play their traditional role in the emergence of Obas.

He stated: “Isese is not associated with ritual killings or money rituals. Anybody caught by law enforcement officers should be thoroughly investigated, and if guilty, prosecuted accordingly.

“There is no verse of Ifa that prescribes money rituals, and our fathers have said that money rituals are alien to our religion and culture. We enjoin our youths to be wary of the kind of friends they associate with, as the present viral case is a clear association of greed, bad company, and borrowed culture, as revealed in the viral video.

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“Olorisas are God-fearing and loving people, and we must always be examples of true believers in God. Let us show by example. The Osun State government is commended for attempting to correct some anomalies in the selection process of Obas, but we also advise that kingmakers should be allowed to play their traditional role while allowing the Ifa system of selection to prevail.

“Oba is a traditional title, and any prince who is not ready to embrace the tradition of our forefathers should not go near the throne. If he chooses to do so, let him go through the traditional seclusion (Ipebi), and he will be accepted. It is time to stop the trend of Obas who embarrass our cherished heritage,” Atanda posited.

He, however, hinted that the plans of his executive in the new term include “a 100-day target to complete the administrative block at the TRWASO headquarters in Abere, which is presently at 60 percent completion.

“We also hope that the other two buildings will be completed before the end of our three years in office. We are counting on the support of all. Let me also remind us that this project was conceived to be used as a fundraiser for the TRWASO Education Trust Fund,” he added.