CAN kicks as traditional worshippers declare five-hour curfew in Osun

The Christian Association of Nigeria's leadership in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has stated that the five-hour curfew that the followers of the Obatala deity imposed on Wednesday between 2 and 7 p.m. is unlawful.

The curfew was allegedly imposed to allow unfettered passage for the Oro procession, which was scheduled to travel through specific sections of Ife.

Residents of the designated zones, through which the Oro procession will pass, were urged to observe the curfew and remain indoors for the sake of Ile-Ife, according to a statement signed by Oba Isoro O. Dada, the Obalesu Obatala Agbaiye.

"This is a special announcement for all dwellers of Ile-Ife, the Oro Owa-Ilare festival that will commence on the 27th Wednesday, 2024," part of Dada's message headed "Special announcement from the house of Obatala to all Muslims and dwellers in Ile-Ife" said.

"Everyone living in Ile-Ife is advised to stay indoors during the Oro, which is scheduled to start at precisely 2 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. This includes Igbotapa, Ajamopo, Gbodo, Ita Olopo, Oja-Ife, Ita Oranfe, Enuwa Square, Ooni Ilare, Sabo Road 7, and Olumogbe Street.

For the benefit of Ile-Ife, it would be greatly beneficial if every resident in the aforementioned locations followed this instruction.

In the past, there has been hostility between Muslims and Oro devotees in Ile-Ife, which frequently resulted into invoice.