Over N4 million has been raised for Iya Abiye Onisese after her house was set on fire in Ilorin over alleged religious intolerance, as supporters appeal for more donations and justice
Over N4 million has been raised for Iya Abiye Onisese, a traditional worshipper whose house was set ablaze in Ilorin, Kwara State, following what supporters describe as a religiously motivated attack by Muslim fanatics, as appeals continue for more donations to help her rebuild her life.
Mrs T A Olorisha, also known as Iya Osun, is a practitioner of the Isese traditional religion who lived in the Isale Koko area of Ilorin, a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood.
Her home was razed by fire on January 1, 2026, while she was away attending a religious gathering, an incident that has since sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate about religious tolerance in Nigeria.
According to accounts from the victim and community sources, Iya Abiye had faced repeated threats from some neighbours who objected to her religious practices and warned that her house would be burnt if she refused to stop.
She reportedly lodged complaints with the police prior to the incident, after which the parties were cautioned and reminded that Nigeria is a secular state that guarantees freedom of worship.
Despite the warning, the threats allegedly materialised on New Year’s Day, leaving her house and personal belongings destroyed.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with activists, cultural groups and human rights advocates condemning the attack as an act of extremism and calling for justice.
The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the incident, saying investigations were ongoing.
However, supporters of the victim have continued to express concern over attempts to downplay the fire as accidental, insisting that the circumstances and prior threats point to a deliberate act.
In response to the incident, the International Council for Ifa Religion and other supporters launched a fundraising campaign to assist Iya Abiye with rebuilding her home, covering medical and legal expenses, and sustaining her livelihood.
As of this week, donations have crossed the N4 million mark, with contributions coming from Nigerians within the country and in the diaspora.
Organisers of the fundraiser have described the response as encouraging but say more support is urgently needed, noting that the cost of rebuilding and pursuing justice goes beyond the amount raised so far.
They have appealed to individuals, cultural organisations and rights groups to continue donating and lending their voices to the cause.
For many observers, the attack on Iya Abiye is seen as part of a wider pattern of hostility faced by practitioners of indigenous religions in some parts of the country.
Advocates argue that the case is a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
Also read: Fire, faith and fear in Ilorin as Olorisha narrates what happened before Muslim fanatics burnt her house
As donations continue to come in, supporters say the goal is not only to rebuild a burnt house, but also to send a clear message that religious intolerance has no place in a diverse society.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
