Traditional Chief Explains Reasons For Ondo Strange Disease

By Akin Soneyin – The strange disease which broke out and killed not less than 20 persons in Irele community of Ondo State, South West Nigeria, has been attributed to violation by certain youths to god of the land – Malokun.

In his account regarding the root cause of the deadly disease, the Oyewoga of Ode Irele, High Chief Moses Enimade, confirmed Saturday, that the recent casualties – death of 20 youths in the town was caused by sacrilege done to the god.

Just as the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju did Wednesday, Chief Enimade clarified that the outbreak was not Ebola Virus Disesase (EVD), revealing that the death occurred, when some stubborn youths broke into the inner room of Malokun Shrine on April 15.

He disclosed that the youths stole some traditional items in a bid to acquire extra-ordinary powers and engage in money ritual.

He pointed out that they were not qualified to enter the shrine, saying the penalty for such an offence is death.

Chief Enimade stressed that no community or town without its own culture and tradition, insisting that what happened in Irele, in Ode Irele Local Council area of the State, was the judgement of the angry gods on stubborn youths.

In explaining how powerful Malokun is, the traditional leader confirmed that Kabiyesi was not permitted to enter the Malokun shrine’s inner room, except the Chief Priest and High Chief Gboguron, adding that the entry is preceded by performing some traditional rites.

He established that the stubborn youths fell victims due to desperation to get rich at all costs.

Chief Enimade however confirmed that the gods have been appeased, so as to curtail further causalities.

The dead, he revealed have been buried in line with the tradition, as their corpses belong to the gods, saying they would be exhumed if buried by their families.