Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Community Leaders in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have denied one Abdul Fatai burial in a community cemetery for participating in an Orle Day celebration.
An Orle Day is a celebration dedicated to the River Orle deity, a goddess revered in Auchi.
Historically, Auchi has been a predominantly Muslim community, with Islam introduced in the 19th century and becoming the official religion in 1914.
However, the community also has a history of traditional African religious practices, including worship of deities like the Orle.
It was gathered that Abdul Fatai, the deceased, had taken part in the Orle Day festivities on January 20th and mysteriously died three days later, on January 23rd, 2026.
As family members prepared for his burial, a delegation from the Otaru of Auchi’s palace appeared at the cemetery, ordering the sealing of the already dug grave.
The delegation cited the community’s collective opposition to idolatrous practices, stating that burying an “idolator” in the cemetery would desecrate the resting place of their Muslim forebears.
This decision has sparked concerns about religious tolerance and inclusivity, with some community members arguing that indigenes should be entitled to burial in the community cemetery, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The incident highlights the tension between traditional community practices and individual religious freedoms, raising questions about the balance between cultural heritage and personal choices.
