A brewing storm is unfolding in the Gaa-Akanbi community, Ilorin, Kwara State, as the local Imams have called upon the Council of Ulamah to intervene in the relocation of a female traditionalist, Osunfunmilayo. The community, predominantly Muslim, has expressed strong reservations about Osunfunmilayo's presence, citing the town's zero-tolerance policy for traditional practices.
The standoff began on Saturday, September 18, 2025, when a delegation of community leaders, led by Imam of Salako, Imam Onikanga, paid a visit to Osunfunmilayo. The encounter, which was captured on video, showed the community leaders issuing a stern warning to Osunfunmilayo, emphasizing that traditionalists are not welcome in Gaa-Akanbi.
Osunfunmilayo, however, remained defiant, asserting her roots in Ilorin and claiming that her father, an Imam, had predestined her to become a traditionalist. She further argued that every compound in the area has its own deity, sparking outrage among the youth present, who insisted that they only recognize Almighty Allah
The face-off has generated widespread unease, with community members expressing fears about the potential consequences of Osunfunmilayo's continued presence. The Imams, seeking a peaceful resolution, have appealed to the Council of Ulamah to intervene and facilitate Osunfunmilayo's relocation.
The Council of Ulamah, a body of Islamic scholars and jurists, plays a crucial role in interpreting Islamic law and guiding the Muslim community in religious and legal matters. Their involvement in this matter may help to diffuse tensions and find a mutually acceptable solution
As the situation continues to unfold, residents of Gaa-Akanbi remain on edge, anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Council's intervention. The incident has highlighted the complex dynamics of religious coexistence in Nigeria, where different faiths and traditions often intersect and sometimes conflict.
In Ilorin South Local Government Area, where Gaa-Akanbi is located, the population is predominantly Muslim, with a significant Christian minority. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, with various ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, Nupe, and Fulani, living together in relative harmony.
However, the recent standoff between the Gaa-Akanbi community and Osunfunmilayo has exposed underlying tensions and raised important questions about religious tolerance, coexistence, and the limits of freedom of worship.
As the search for a resolution continues, one thing is clear: the outcome of this incident will have far-reaching implications for the future of interfaith relations in Gaa-Akanbi and beyond.
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