A leading masquerade in Iwo, headquarters of Iwo Local Government area of Osun State, has demanded a sum of N20 million to prepare sacrifice to avert evil that may result following an unprovoked attack by a Muslim group known as Kamarudeen Muslim Society.

There had been panic in Iwo town when Kamarudeen Muslim society allegedly attacked Ogundeji masquerade on Tuesday last week, beating him until he fainted.

During the incident, the Muslim group also allegedly burnt the regalia of the masquerade, while the handler narrowly escaped death, but sustained serious injuries.

The handler of Ogundeji masquerade, Mrs. Ogundeji Omo-Babalawo, in her reaction lamented that the incident had claimed her ancestors’ inheritance, urging government to come to her aid by providing N20 million to appease the gods and make a new regalia for the masquerade.

She said that “it would cost almost N20 million to prepare concoction and sacrifice to appease spirits of the burnt masquerade and to design another one.”

In its reaction, the Alagbaa of Iwoland, Chief Ojelana Ojeseyi, condemned the development, describing the attack as “unwarranted, barbaric and inhuman.”

He added that “their action violates the fundamental rights of the traditional worshippers, hence the need for government and all the relevant agencies to intervene, with a view to checkmate the inhuman treatment and forestall its reoccurrence in the future.”

In their separate reactions, two high chiefs of Iwo land, Moderin and Mojirin, Prince Abimbola Adegboyega and Prince Lasunkanmi Tadese, respectively condemned the attack, saying the Muslim group had violated the agreement reached in the palace during a stakeholders meeting on how to ensure peaceful Egungun festival in the ancient community.

Osun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs. Folashade Odor, said police had already commenced investigation into the matter, assuring that anybody found culpable would be made to face the full wrath of law.

Contacted for comments, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, said that the government would look into the matter and resolve the issue amicably so as to ensure religious harmony in the state.

•Adapted from a Sunday Mirror report. Photo shows masquerades.

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