By DADA. AYOKHAI
A controversy has erupted in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, after community leaders denied a kinsman burial in the community cemetery due to his reported participation in the Orle Day celebration.,
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 Orle
Abdul Fatai, the deceased, had taken part in the Orle Day festivities on January 20th and mysteriously passed away 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.
