Wole Soyinka being economical with fact – Emir of Ilorin
Emir of Ilorin, Sulu Gambari, has accused Noble Laurette Wole Soyinka of being economical with facts in the matter involving an Osun prophetess, who the emirate stopped from holding a traditional festival (Isese). The news had emerged of how the emissaries of the monarch stormed the prophetess’ house to warn her against holding the planned festival.
Following the incident, Soyinka, in an open letter, faulted the emir’s action as being uncivilised.
In his response Soyinka, Gambari said that the allowing the prophetess to hold the festival in predominantly Muslim community of Ilorin would have resulted in a crisis. He said his action was a preventive measure.
“To set records straight, Professor Wole Soyinka tends to be economical with facts, forgetting that war is what nobody wants,” the emir statement, issued by his spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Arowona stated.
He added, “This is to prevent a crisis and not wait until it erupts because the cost of managing crises cannot be equated to the wisdom or courage required to prevent it.
Such proactiveness is necessary in order to sustain peaceful co-existence in the society.
The emir said Soyinka’s stance is “identical to someone who does not consider what might transpire if the programme was hosted.”
Gambari said the priestess had lived “harmoniously” in the town for years “until she decided to go beyond her boundaries”.
“It may result in issues which could also lead to reprisal attacks by sympathisers or promoters of such belief (Isese festival) in other parts of the country.
“There are many non-indigenes in Kwara who are serving and retired, including business owners who have vowed to move their families to the state due to the peace and harmony enjoyed therein.
