Religious Belief vs Tradition: Muslim Devotee, Azeez Rasheed Goes Into Hiding For Safety Of Life Over Refusal Of Traditional Title

Ile-Ife, Osun State – Mr. Azeez Rasheed, a devout Muslim from the Ogbondo area of Ile-Ife, has been on the run since the early hours of June 3rd, 2022, after allegedly receiving threats over his refusal to accept a traditional worship title at the Sasara Shrine.

Azeez, known for his dedication to Islamic practices, reportedly declined the role assigned to him after his father’s death, citing religious beliefs as his reason. His refusal has sparked a significant clash between personal faith and cultural expectations, leaving him no choice but to flee for safety.

According to local sources, the Sasara Shrine adheres to a longstanding tradition that requires the eldest child of a deceased member to inherit their father’s title in the shrine. However, Azeez’s decision to reject the role has become a source of conflict, with reports alleging threats to his life from members of the shrine.

In an interview, Chief Ifakale, a representative and Aguro of the shrine, denied any wrongdoing or intent to harm. “We are not killers. Our mission is to save lives and provide spiritual assistance, not to harm anyone. Azeez went into hiding out of fear, not because we threatened him,” he said.

Similarly, the shrine’s Abore, Chief Ifagbemi, explained the cultural basis of their actions. “It is our doctrine to ensure that when a member dies, the immediate eldest child takes over their position. This practice has been in place for generations, and most families understand and accept it. The case of Azeez Rasheed is unusual because of his refusal,” he remarked.

The situation has sparked widespread concern, with community members and religious leaders calling for mediation to resolve the matter peacefully. Many have highlighted the need to respect personal religious choices while maintaining cultural traditions, emphasizing that dialogue and understanding are essential to avoid further conflicts.

This incident underscores the growing tension between religious freedom and cultural obligations in Nigeria. It raises important questions about the rights of individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution or coercion.

As the conflict continues, stakeholders are calling on the government to intervene and implement measures that ensure such clashes do not reoccur in the future. The primary responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and properties of its citizens. Developing policies that promote religious tolerance and protect individual rights is crucial to maintaining harmony in diverse communities like Ile-Ife.

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of Azeez Rasheed is unknown to everyone since few months ago, and there are controversies claiming he might have allegedly been attacked spiritually to claim his life.