The Wazeer of Yorubaland, Sheikh Yahqub Muhammad Baaqi, has said the intention of Oluwo is to appreciate God for his mercy upon his life, however, such type of festival is an innovation in Islam.
Sheikh Yahqub Muhammad said he has discussed this Odun Olohun festival with Oluwo of Iwoland and the explanations given by Oluwo show Oba Adekanbi has no intention to worship any deity or mini-god.
The Wazeer of Yorubaland further stated that calling it Odun Olohun will not be permissible in Islam. He said many invented festivals or bidiah started same way like this Odun Olohun festival.
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Sheikh Yahqub Muhammad Baaqi said: “I have had discussions on this Odun Olohun festival. The aim of doing this Odun Olohun is not to worship any god, Ogun or Oosa. I told him to change the name of Odun Ope Olohun (Festival of Praising God). Oluwo came to one of the public lectures to explain what he meant by Odun Olohun (God’s festival). Even if we are to name it Odun Ope Olohun, it is still not permissible in Islam. The only festivals in Islam are Odun Itunnu and Odun Ileya.”
“Oluwo is someone I can trust when it comes to his belief in the oneness of Allah. My fear is not that Oluwo has a hidden worship plan, but my fear is that people might turn the Odun Olohun into another thing by worshipping Oluwo as a mini-god in the future. This is the same way the like of Obataala and Oduduwa were turned to gods.”
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He also appealed to Oluwo to consider renaming it to Odun Ope Olohun (Festival of Praising God). Sheikh Yahqub said his fear is that this festival could be turned into another bidiah in the future.
The Wazeer continued: “It is important to say this now before it becomes another innovation in Islam. Many innovations or invented festivals in Islam also started same way like this Odun Olohun.”
“I have discussed with Oluwo on this festival by appealing to him to change the name to Odun Ope Olohun since the aim is to praise and worship God for his mercy upon his life. The intention is pure yet we admonish Oluwo to consider changing the name to Odun Ope Olohun.”
“We won’t condemn or insult Oluwo on this, it is improper to do. I pray that Almighty Allah should continue to strengthen Oluwo on His path.” The Wazeer of Yorubaland concluded.
