Muslims clashed with Egungun worshippers

many people were reportedly injured in a riot between Muslims faithful and some Egungun worshippers (Masqueraders) in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state.

the incident occured on Wednesday 3rd of may, during celebration of the 20th coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Moshood Aweda Lawal Arowoduye 11. this happened has a result of misunderstanding.

According to Daily Post, the problem started on Tuesday when a Muslim cleric identified as Alfa Lati insisted that masqueraders observing the annual Egungun festival should not pass through his street located at Koso, Mapo area of the town. The Egungun worshippers felt challenged and embarrassed by the order and decided to dare Alfa Lati. They said the street belonged to everyone regardless of their religious attachment and that no one could stop them from moving freely. They passed through the street, leading to a clash, a source told Daily Post.

It was also gathered that following an instruction from Alfa Lati, his followers reportedly attacked the masquerade (Egungun) with stones and other dangerous weapons, a situation that forced the Egungun to remove his mask, and ran for dear life. The masqueraders then planned a reprisal which they carried out on Wednesday. They were also angered that the masks of the masqueraders were removed which they considered a sacrilege and a bad omen. During the second clash, at least 15 people were injured and taken to a hospital in a nearby town for treatment while some were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara state.