Alaafin: Tension builds up in Oyo over imposition of 23-day curfew

Tension is building up in Oyo ahead of the 23-day curfew announced by Rotimi Osuntola, the Chief of Staff to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

SOCIETAL WATCH recalls that he announced the commencement of Oro Ipebi as part of the activities before the formal ascension of the traditional ruler.

Osuntola, in a statement obtained by DAILY POST Saturday morning, said that the Oro Ipebi which the traditional ruler has commenced on Friday (7th March, 2025) is one of the mandatory rites for the traditional ruler before his ascension to the revered throne of the Alaafin of Oyo.

However, some Islamic scholars, a legal practitioner and a lecturer have kicked against the curfew.

They spoke during separate interviews with SOCIETY WATCH at the weekend.

Our correspondent reports that the imposition of the curfew is coming just six days after the commencement of Ramadan fast on Saturday, 1st March 2025.

Those who spoke with DAILY POST declared that the imposition was another way to deprive the Muslims of the right to observe the necessary religious rites in the month.

Imposition of curfew during Ramadan is an invitation to crisis – Ex-MSSN Amir, Yekini

A former Amir (National President) Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Professor Taofiq Yekini in an interview with SOCIETY WATCH described the imposition as insensitive.

Yekini said it was an invitation to a crisis.

“It is insensitive. The issue of the rites to the throne was delayed to the period of Ramadan when we knew that the period of Ramadan, morning and night are usually characterised by activities.

“Then you are now imposing a curfew at the period when you know that the Muslims will be busy morning and night throughout this period, that is insensitivity.