Crisis Looms in Osun Over Plans to Demolish Orisa-Oko Shrine for Mosque

The Worshipers of Orisa-Oko, in Osogbo, Osun State, have warned the State Government against the demolition of their shrine for the intended expansion of Osogbo Central Mosque.

In a press conference in Osogbo at the weekend, leaders of Olorisa-Oko community in Osogbo said the leadership of Osogbo Central Mosque is planning to demolish their family House at Oja-Oba area, which houses Orisa-Oko shrine in order to expand the Osogbo Central mosque.

The traditionalists warned against fueling religious crisis by attempting to demolish their ancestral home, saying no amount offered to them would make them succumb to such an heresy. Pa Jimoh Iyanda, while addressing journalists, appealed to the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, to prevail on the leadership of Osogbo Central Mosque not to embark on the demolition of their ancient buildings.

Pa Jimoh Iyanda, also explained that the land on which the central mosque is built belongs to the Olorisa Oko family, said after sacrificing such portion of land to the mosque, the family house is no more ready to give out any portion of their land at any cost. He also debunked insinuations that elders of Olorisa-Oko house had received a huge sum of money from some Muslim leaders in the state, maintained that the family was not ready to offend its diety by allowing the planned demolition.

“If they want to expand their mosque, the Ataoja of Osogbo and the leadership of the mosque can as well utilise their parcels of land at either Oke Baale or Osun groove”.

“They should not deny the Olorisa-Oko their constitutional right to practice their religion just as Christians and Muslims were allowed to practice their religions without humiliations”.

“We, the Olorisa Oko worshippers, will not have the house where our shrine is built demolished for mosque expansion.”

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