3 Die In Community’s ‘Evil Forest’

…’over man’s refusal to become chief priest’

Three persons reportedly convulsed and died at the weekend in the ancient town of Ileoluji in Ileoluji/Okeigbo Local Government area of Ondo State, after entering the community’s ‘evil forest’.

Our correspondent gathered that the forest, known as Gbojegen Forest, had been a forbidden zone within the town on the grounds that the gods of the land were angry over and the sacrilege committed by one Mr. Akinbinnu Adekunle.

The man, who is said to have fled to an unknown destination, was reportedly chosen by the Ifa oracle to become the chief priest of Gbojegen Shrine, located in the Forest, but he declined.

The deceased persons, whose identities were put under wraps in line with the community’s tradition, were said to have gone to the Forest to hew firewood, when the tragedy occurred.

“Once the oracle picks someone, he or she must accept the title; otherwise, various disasters will continue to stalk the community,” a farmer in his 40s, who simply identified self as Ojo, disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Ileoluji monarch, the Jegun, had enjoined people of the town to steer clear of the forest, to avoid recording more casualties.

The traditional ruler also begged the state government to provide security measures to guide the Shrine against tresspassing or strayed movements.

A notable community leader, High Chief Ayeni Akiinkuotu, who also spoke on the incident, noted that since the community does not have a substantive chief priest at the Forest to appease the gods, it is only safe to take to precautionary advice.

“Even the young man chosen as the Chief Priest of of the town is still on the run and the town will never give up until those who try to change our course of traditions pay heavily for their crimes against the gods of our traditions,” Akinkuotu explained.

“The truth is that, only the initiated-that is, the Gbogegen priests, can enter the Forest. Any other person that tries it will certainly die,” he informed.

Corpses of the deceased persons, it was gathered, were abandoned in the Forest to decompose, as it is an abomination to accord them burial.