A well-known Isese devotee and activist, Adegbola Abdulazeez, widely known as Talọlọrun (Who is God), has been apprehended and detained for defamation and insulting the Emir of Ilorin, among other offenses, in Kwara State, Nigeria.
The arrest reportedly stems from statements made by Talọlọrun, particularly on social media platforms, that were deemed to be offensive and defamatory towards the Emir of Ilorin and others. According to a Facebook post, he was apprehended on August 16 in Ibadan and taken to a police station in Ilorin.
Talọlọrun’s arrest generated discussion and solidarity within the Isese community. In a subsequent post on August 17, it was revealed that he had been charged and summoned to court, prompting a call for support from fellow practitioners of Isese, an indigenous African spiritual tradition.
Talọlọrun’s outspokenness and activism were evident in a YouTube video released prior to his arrest. In the video, he discussed a meeting between Isese practitioners, their lawyer, and the police regarding the ban on Isese festivals in Ilorin. He emphasized that Isese devotees are peaceful individuals seeking to celebrate their festivals and traditions, challenging the need for permission to do so. He also questioned the selective enforcement of rules and the encroachment on the right to worship.
Talọlọrun’s arrest has sparked conversations about religious freedom, cultural preservation, and the right to express one’s opinions. Supporters and fellow activists have rallied behind him, asserting that his advocacy is aimed at preserving and promoting their cultural heritage rather than causing harm or disruption.
As the case unfolds, it shines a spotlight on the complex dynamics between religious practices, freedom of expression, and the role of tradition in modern society.
