A popular Osun priestess, Madam T. A. Olorisa, often called Iya Abiye, was attacked by alleged religious extremists on the 9th of January, 2026, in Oja Gboro, Isale Koko, Ilorin, Kwara State.
This attack further strains the already existing tension between the Muslim-dominated community of Ilorin and the minority Isese group in the state, as there have been multiple reports of some Muslim leaders and stakeholders harassing and intimidating Isese practitioners in their various residences.
Iya Abiye, a philanthropist and traditional healer, is said by many to have a dove-like character in the community.
Video evidence shows she recently celebrated the Isese festival by gifting members of her community monetary items, food, and lots more, as is her custom. The arson attack on Iya Abiye’s abode sent shockwaves around the community, with many Isese members in the city questioning the security and peace of religious minorities in the state.
The silence of Muslim stakeholders in condemning the act and commiserating with Iya Abiye further arouses suspicion and restlessness in the community. Many sympathizers have joined the call to demand justice from the Kwara State Government and to ensure the freedom of religion and association as entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution.
As of the time of filing this report, prominent sympathizers of Iya Abiye have alleged cyber bullying and physical intimidation by one Abdulgayusi. Bennylee, a traditional religion adherent and musician has reportedly faced cyber bullying and defamation by a mob of religious extremists while Muslim apostate Nurse Dara was arrested and subsequently released and TikToker I love my husband is still in custody for reporting the incident online.
The attack on sympathizers of Iya Abiye and the Onisese practitioners at large continue to highlight the religious intolerance in Ilorin.