Kwara: Popular Isese Activist, Talolorun, remanded In Prison For Defaming Emir of Ilorin, 0thers
An Isese activist known as Talolorun (Who is God) has been detained in Kwara State for allegedly defaming the Emir of Ilorin and other offences. Talolorun, whose real name is Adegbola Abdulazeez, is a vocal advocate for the rights of Isese worshippers in Ilorin.
He was arrested in Ibadan on August 16 and taken to a police station in Ilorin, according to his Facebook page. The next day, he was arraigned in court and his supporters were urged to join him.
In a Youtube video, Talolorun claimed that he and other Isese practitioners had sued the Emir of Ilorin, the commissioner of police, and others for banning their festivals in the state. He accused them of violating their constitutional right to freedom of religion and expression.
He also challenged the authority of the Emir of Ilorin over the Isese devotees, saying that they are peace-loving people who only want to celebrate their culture and tradition. And he wondered why they were required to seek permission for their festivals while Muslims were not.
He vowed that the Isese day scheduled for August 20 would hold despite the opposition from the emirs and the police. He said he had received many threats from online bullies who were working with the police to stop the festival.
A video by an admin on his page confirmed his arrest and assured his followers that he would be released soon. He said Talolorun did not commit any crime but was only expressing his views on the situation of things.
A lawyer representing the Isese practitioners, Abdulkadir Ademola Ajasa, said that Talolorun’s arrest was not related to Isese. He said that before his arrest, the Isese people had reached an agreement with the police to allow them to celebrate their festivals peacefully. He said that Talolorun was arrested for a different matter that he did not disclose.
Also, he said that they were working on securing his bail and that they hoped he would be released soon. He appealed to the Isese devotees to remain calm and law-abiding. He also urged the public to respect the rights of Isese worshippers and not to discriminate against them.
