Traditional worshippers under the auspices of Concerned Isese Youth, Tuesday staged a peaceful rally in Osogbo, Osun state, warning against referring to Esu deity as Satan.
The group said the rally tagged: “Esu is not Satan walk” was organised to sensitise the people on misconceptions about a deity called ‘Esu.’
The traditionalist who converged at Osogbo township stadium, marched through Omo West, Aiyetoro, Igbona, Old Garage, Oja-Oba to their temple, warning people against attributing Esu to bad thing or evil.
Speaking, a renowned Ifa priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, called for peaceful coexistence among all religions, emphasising the need to foster harmony and understanding in the society.
He described Esu as a deity of discipline, order, and justice, contrary to widespread misconceptions.
He said: “There are lots of misinformation about the Esu deity. We want the public to be aware and to stop blaming Esu deity when they do wrong. When they steal, they put allegation on Esu deity and when they commit offence. Esu deity has nothing to do with their wrong doings unless they brought trouble on themselves.
“I’ll appeal to all a and sundry to peacefully coexist. We don’t want religious violence in our society. That is why we are doing all we are doing today. We also appeal to all and sundry to desist from violence and abusive statement that may course trouble in our society,” Elebuibon said.
The president, traditional religion worshiper association in Osun state, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, noted that traditionalists are trying to orientate the public and correct deep-seated misconceptions about Esu deity.