Latest News & Events in Kwara State

BREAKING NEWS : Ifa Council Suspends Isese Festival In Ilorin, Kwara State

The International Council for Ifa Religion on Tuesday announced its decision to suspend the planned Isese festival in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. A statement signed by the President of the Council, Oluwo Solagbade Popoola which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja noted that the decision to temporarily suspend the festival was to avoid confrontations. The council also accused the Police of being prejudiced towards the Ifa religion. The statement reads, “Yesterday, August 14, 2023, our representatives attended a meeting with the Kwara State Police Commissioner in Ilorin after having been invited in respect of our Letter of Notification on the proposed celebration of the Isese Day slated to hold in Ilorin on the 20th August 2023. https://kwaraconnect.com/isese-festival-stay-away-from-ilorin-islamic-council-warns-traditional-worshipers/ “The outcome of the meeting was the prohibition of the hosting of the festival purportedly as a result of what they called rising tension in the State. ICIR is not unaware that police authorities have the power to enforce laws and regulations, maintain public order, and ensure the safety and security of the community. They can also, under certain circumstances, impose restrictions or place a ban on specific events or activities if they deem it necessary for public safety, law enforcement, or other legitimate reasons. “Nevertheless, the ban placed on our Isese Festival has been viewed from a legal perspective as an abuse of the fundamental rights of all traditionalists in Kwara State. It has also been seen as a testimony to the fact that the police authorities were already prejudiced against our faith. The ban is the first to be imposed on any lawful religious gathering in the entire history of Kwara State to the advantage of the antagonists of such an event. “Although we are not unaware of the clandestine moves, efforts, and preparation by some disgruntled elements within the Islamic faith to unleash unwarranted attacks on some of our members in Kwara State before, during, and after the August 20 proposed events. We had wanted to go ahead in the hope that the Security Agencies would do their best to put a check on the unbridled lust of the bellicose Islamists for war thereby enabling us to exercise our fundamental rights as an organisation. It is therefore shocking to realise that those whose role it is to enforce the law, ensure peace and maintain orderliness indirectly declared that they have neither the capacity nor the political willpower to so do and would rather deny us our rights to please those they are expected to caution. “As an organisation that respects the sanctity of human life and holds high our belief in Olodumare as the giver of life, ICIR will never wish evil for anyone regardless of their faith or creed. We, the traditionalists, being the original owners of the land, would never allow descent into bloodletting or be provoked to dance to a drumbeat of war by any other religion. “As a true religion of peace, we have never and will never engage anyone in a religious war let alone shedding human blood for the sake of religion. We are aware of the fact that their overzealousness notwithstanding, the majority of these foreign religious fanatics are fellow Yoruba people. If we allow any confrontation to take place and we hurt any of them, we have hurt ourselves because they are our brothers. On the other hand, if they hurt any of us, we have hurt ourselves because a brother has inflicted injury on a fellow brother. We will follow the directive of Olodumare and Ifa which says that on no condition must we allow the cloud of confrontation to descend into rainfall of confrontation. We will continue to, in this wise, pray to Olodumare to turn their heart of stone into a heart of flesh and blood “In light of the above, ICIR has taken a decision that it feels critical to the current situation. We have resolved to put the planned festival on hold till a more propitious time in the future. In the light of this, on behalf of ICIR, I plead with our members, particularly those in Kwara State, all ‘Isese’ groups, inclusive of members of our Youth Wing, to take the cancellation with equanimity.”  

Isese Festival: Stay Away From Ilorin, Islamic Council Warns Traditional Worshipers

The Council of Ulama (Islamic clerics) in Kwara State on Tuesday warned those planning to celebrate traditional religion or Ifa festival in Ilorin, the state capital, to retrace their steps. The council warned that Ifa festival, under any guise, would not be allowed in any part of Ilorin Emirate, comprising Asa, Moro, Ilorin East, Ilorin West and Ilorin South local government areas. The executive secretary of the council, Justice Salihu Mohammed made the position of the council known at a press conference held in Ilorin. Mohammed, a former Grand Khadi of Kwara state Sharia Court of Appeal spoke on behalf of the chairman of the Council of Ulama and Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheik Bashir Salihu. The Secretary who said that Ilorin, Kwara State capital was known as sanctuary of Islam for more than 200 years and renowned for Islamic faith, practice, Spirituality and Knowledge stated that the insistence of the youth wing of the International Council for Ifa Religion( ICIR) to hold their festival in Ilorin on August 20th 2023, posed danger to the security of lives and property across the state. “It is in the light of this that we have found it extremely necessary to plead with the Kwara State government and all stakeholders to appeal to the ICIR and similar interest groups to stay away from Ilorin as available evidence convinced us that the staging of the event in Ilorin would have a serious negative consequence on the peace of Kwara State. “We are not unmindful of the pillage of aspersions and insults mounted on our father, the Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Council of Emirs and Chiefs in Kwara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari by individuals that are expected to know better, which are unfortunate, condemnable and inexcusable. “We don’t think any individuals or group has anything to gain from destruction of the harmonious coexistence. The people of Ilorin Emirate, particularly the Kwara State Council of Ulama cannot be coerced by any person or group of persons claiming to be representing intellectualism or atheistic practices to destroy what our forefathers have fought for. “As community and opinion leaders in our various places of abode, we are not unaware of the readiness of various youth groups never to allow the staging of the so called ‘isese’ festival anywhere in Ilorin . “To them, such activities would pollute the peace and tranquillity of the community as it is also been seen as invasion and an act of cultural imperialism. “We as leaders, see merit in the position of the Muslim youths. We sincerely believe that it is unwise and wrong for non residents of a community to forcefully impose imported thoughts or practices on their hosts .This is repugnant to natural justice and it will certainly lead to the brake down of law and order.” “We must make it abundantly clear that we are not against the celebration of isese festival. What is important to let the whole World know is that we , the people of Ilorin, have absolutely nothing to do with it. We understand the motive of their sinister and abominable move but warn that Ilorin have moved on. “The Emirate might be a Yoruba speaking city, it must be realized that its present culture is no longer that of Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Nupe or any other, but purely an Islamic culture. We therefore advise that they should allow peace to reign across Nigeria. All we are saying is that it should not be held where the celebrators and celebration would not be welcomed. Ilorin is certainly not among the places that should be considered for such a festival if the organisers are patriotic and well meaning”, Mohammed said. While appealing to Muslim youths and other stakeholders to exercise patience, Mohammed appealed to Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, ” to direct all the security agencies in the state to take note of this threat to the peace and security of the state .A stitch in time saves nine.” At the press conference were the Imam Gambari, Ajanasi Agba, Sheikh Yusuf Pakata, Professor Badmas Yusuf, two former grand Khadis, Justices Idris Haroon and Ola AbdulKadir; former president of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alh AbdulHamid Adi; and representatives of Imams and Alfas from all the 16 local government areas of the state. Recall that the Kwara state Police Command had advised the. International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) who are behind the planning of holding the Isese festival to relocate the event to another state as the security report did not favour the celebration of the festival in Ilorin. “Vigilante, local hunters, community policing members, and the leadership of the traditional worshippers in Kwara, along with some of their leaders from adjoining states, have also been dialogued with and made to understand that the intelligence available to the Police Command does not favor the kind of celebrations being planned by one of the religious sects in the state; they have been advised to relocate their celebration to another state pending a favorable security situation in the state, the Police Command said in the statement signed by SP Okasanmi Ajayi, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Ebbunoluwarotimi Adelesi.

Isese Festival: Stay Away From Ilorin, Islamic Council Warns Traditional Worshipers

The Council of Ulama (Islamic clerics) in Kwara State on Tuesday warned those planning to celebrate traditional religion or Ifa festival in Ilorin, the state capital, to retrace their steps. The council warned that Ifa festival, under any guise, would not be allowed in any part of Ilorin Emirate, comprising Asa, Moro, Ilorin East, Ilorin West and Ilorin South local government areas. The executive secretary of the council, Justice Salihu Mohammed made the position of the council known at a press conference held in Ilorin. Mohammed, a former Grand Khadi of Kwara state Sharia Court of Appeal spoke on behalf of the chairman of the Council of Ulama and Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheik Bashir Salihu. The Secretary who said that Ilorin, Kwara State capital was known as sanctuary of Islam for more than 200 years and renowned for Islamic faith, practice, Spirituality and Knowledge stated that the insistence of the youth wing of the International Council for Ifa Religion( ICIR) to hold their festival in Ilorin on August 20th 2023, posed danger to the security of lives and property across the state. “It is in the light of this that we have found it extremely necessary to plead with the Kwara State government and all stakeholders to appeal to the ICIR and similar interest groups to stay away from Ilorin as available evidence convinced us that the staging of the event in Ilorin would have a serious negative consequence on the peace of Kwara State. “We are not unmindful of the pillage of aspersions and insults mounted on our father, the Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Council of Emirs and Chiefs in Kwara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari by individuals that are expected to know better, which are unfortunate, condemnable and inexcusable. “We don’t think any individuals or group has anything to gain from destruction of the harmonious coexistence. The people of Ilorin Emirate, particularly the Kwara State Council of Ulama cannot be coerced by any person or group of persons claiming to be representing intellectualism or atheistic practices to destroy what our forefathers have fought for. “As community and opinion leaders in our various places of abode, we are not unaware of the readiness of various youth groups never to allow the staging of the so called ‘isese’ festival anywhere in Ilorin . “To them, such activities would pollute the peace and tranquillity of the community as it is also been seen as invasion and an act of cultural imperialism. “We as leaders, see merit in the position of the Muslim youths. We sincerely believe that it is unwise and wrong for non residents of a community to forcefully impose imported thoughts or practices on their hosts .This is repugnant to natural justice and it will certainly lead to the brake down of law and order.” “We must make it abundantly clear that we are not against the celebration of isese festival. What is important to let the whole World know is that we , the people of Ilorin, have absolutely nothing to do with it. We understand the motive of their sinister and abominable move but warn that Ilorin have moved on. “The Emirate might be a Yoruba speaking city, it must be realized that its present culture is no longer that of Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Nupe or any other, but purely an Islamic culture. We therefore advise that they should allow peace to reign across Nigeria. All we are saying is that it should not be held where the celebrators and celebration would not be welcomed. Ilorin is certainly not among the places that should be considered for such a festival if the organisers are patriotic and well meaning”, Mohammed said. While appealing to Muslim youths and other stakeholders to exercise patience, Mohammed appealed to Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, ” to direct all the security agencies in the state to take note of this threat to the peace and security of the state .A stitch in time saves nine.” At the press conference were the Imam Gambari, Ajanasi Agba, Sheikh Yusuf Pakata, Professor Badmas Yusuf, two former grand Khadis, Justices Idris Haroon and Ola AbdulKadir; former president of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alh AbdulHamid Adi; and representatives of Imams and Alfas from all the 16 local government areas of the state. Recall that the Kwara state Police Command had advised the. International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) who are behind the planning of holding the Isese festival to relocate the event to another state as the security report did not favour the celebration of the festival in Ilorin. “Vigilante, local hunters, community policing members, and the leadership of the traditional worshippers in Kwara, along with some of their leaders from adjoining states, have also been dialogued with and made to understand that the intelligence available to the Police Command does not favor the kind of celebrations being planned by one of the religious sects in the state; they have been advised to relocate their celebration to another state pending a favorable security situation in the state, the Police Command said in the statement signed by SP Okasanmi Ajayi, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Ebbunoluwarotimi Adelesi.

Crafting Tradition: The Cassava Transformation at Owode Market, Offa, Kwara State

Right in the beautiful market of Owode in Offa lies a captivating sight — a bustling cassava processing place that hummed with life and purpose. The air was infused with the earthy aroma of cassava, a staple crop deeply woven into the fabric of the region's culture and cuisine. At the stall, the market women deftly peeled and sliced cassava roots, their hands moving in a rhythmic dance that showcased years of expertise. The sound of the knife against the cutting board created a soothing melody, almost like a tribute to the age-old tradition of cassava processing. Adjacent to the peeling station, a grinding machine roared to life, transforming the cassava slices into a coarse, grainy paste. The mechanical rhythm of the machine contrasted with the organic process of peeling, yet both played an essential role in the transformation of cassava from root to final product. The stall was a symphony of activity, with baskets of cassava chips awaiting their turn for grinding, and large bowls of the freshly ground paste ready to be molded into various culinary delights. The stall owner explained the various uses of cassava in local cuisine, from the beloved "amala" to "fufu" and the popular garri. As I watched the process unfold, I couldn't help but appreciate the intricate balance between tradition and innovation. The stall was a testament to the resourcefulness of the local community, where age-old techniques harmonized seamlessly with modern tools. Leaving the stall, I carried with me a newfound appreciation for the journey of cassava from the earth to the plate—a journey that embodies the resilience, culture, and culinary heritage of Offa and its vibrant Owode Market.\   Have you peeled cassava before Share your experience with us in the comments section below. https://kwaraconnect.com/oja-oba-the-kings-market-located-in-the-city-of-ilorin-kwara-state/

Crafting Tradition: The Cassava Transformation at Owode Market, Offa, Kwara State

Right in the beautiful market of Owode in Offa lies a captivating sight — a bustling cassava processing place that hummed with life and purpose. The air was infused with the earthy aroma of cassava, a staple crop deeply woven into the fabric of the region's culture and cuisine. At the stall, the market women deftly peeled and sliced cassava roots, their hands moving in a rhythmic dance that showcased years of expertise. The sound of the knife against the cutting board created a soothing melody, almost like a tribute to the age-old tradition of cassava processing. Adjacent to the peeling station, a grinding machine roared to life, transforming the cassava slices into a coarse, grainy paste. The mechanical rhythm of the machine contrasted with the organic process of peeling, yet both played an essential role in the transformation of cassava from root to final product. The stall was a symphony of activity, with baskets of cassava chips awaiting their turn for grinding, and large bowls of the freshly ground paste ready to be molded into various culinary delights. The stall owner explained the various uses of cassava in local cuisine, from the beloved "amala" to "fufu" and the popular garri. As I watched the process unfold, I couldn't help but appreciate the intricate balance between tradition and innovation. The stall was a testament to the resourcefulness of the local community, where age-old techniques harmonized seamlessly with modern tools. Leaving the stall, I carried with me a newfound appreciation for the journey of cassava from the earth to the plate—a journey that embodies the resilience, culture, and culinary heritage of Offa and its vibrant Owode Market.\   Have you peeled cassava before Share your experience with us in the comments section below. https://kwaraconnect.com/oja-oba-the-kings-market-located-in-the-city-of-ilorin-kwara-state/

Unforgettable Moments With The Kids At Mazhi Village , Jebba

Unforgettable Moments : We had so much fun that evening with the village children during a camping adventure at Jebba ..

Unforgettable Moments With The Kids At Mazhi Village , Jebba

Unforgettable Moments : We had so much fun that evening with the village children during a camping adventure at Jebba ..

General Round-About, Taiwo Road, Ilorin (Pictures)

General Round-About, Taiwo Road, Ilorin (Pictures)