Ogun traditionalist seeks equal recognition as Muslims, Christians

Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun, the Chairman of the Ìsèse Kingdom Of Truth Association Of Nigeria and a prominent traditionalist in Ogun State, has called on the federal and state governments to grant traditional religion the same recognition and privileges afforded to Islam and Christianity.

On a radio program in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun made a passionate plea, urging the government to recognize traditional religions on an equal footing with Islam and Christianity.

He said: “I use this opportunity to call on government from local to the national levels to give due recognition to our traditional religion and treat it the same way the alien religious are being treated.

“This appeal is also extended to our traditional rulers. Our Kings are implored to promote Yoruba traditional religion, which is the basis of the crowns on their heads.”

He said that it was imperative for the governments to support them whenever they were doing their traditional rights and giving them both financial and security support, noting that it was the religion they met before the alien religious came in.

“We are soliciting for the government’s support in doing our traditional rights, we do worship our deities likes; Ogun, Oya, Obatala, Esu Odara and many more, and it is very crucial for governments to support us financially and provide us security as they deeds for Muslims and Christians festive periods,” Oba Adifagbola Balogun said

Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun highlighted the significant contributions traditional worshippers make to the country’s growth and development, particularly through the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and the appeasement of deities to maintain peace and tranquility. He emphasized that without peace, stability, and tranquility, a country’s growth and development, including its economy, would be severely impacted.

He stressed that traditional worshippers play a vital role in ensuring peace reigns by appeasing all deities.