The Oodua People Congress (OPC) has suggested that if there is a lack of religious accommodation in the Kwara State capital, Ilorin, the Federal Government should consider relocating the capital to a neutral area. The proposal comes amidst tensions between adherents of Isese traditional religion and Muslim clerics in Ilorin.
Comrade Bayo Fabiyi, the state coordinator of OPC’s New Era chapter in Kwara State, shared this idea in a statement. He highlighted that there are regions within Kwara State where different religions, including Isese traditional religion and Islam, coexist without conflict. Fabiyi proposed that if Ilorin remains the sole hotspot for religious tensions, its status as a state capital should be reconsidered. He suggested that the town can remain an Islamic center, but a new capital could be established to ensure inclusivity.
Fabiyi also urged restraint from both Isese practitioners and Muslim clerics, advocating for mutual respect in religious practices. He criticized the selective focus on the Isese groups by some Muslim fundamentalists, pointing out more pressing security concerns such as cultism that deserve attention.
Expressing concern over insecurity in the state, Fabiyi attributed some of the issues to the influx of displaced Fulani from Igangan in Oyo State to Ilorin. He lamented that his prior warnings about this were ignored, leading to the current situation. He emphasized the need to address security challenges by addressing the root causes, including the presence of intruding herdsmen allegedly involved in kidnapping.
The OPC’s stance emphasizes the importance of harmonious coexistence among different religious groups while addressing underlying security concerns. By proposing a neutral location for the capital and advocating for tolerance and respect, the OPC aims to promote peace and unity in Kwara State.