Alaafin Allays Concerns Over Coronation Rites Curfew
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has addressed concerns surrounding the reported curfew imposed during the 21-day traditional Oro Ipebi rites in Oyo town.
He clarified that the use of certain terms in an earlier statement – such as “curfew,” “arrest,” and “detention” – was not meant to demean any religious group or infringe upon individual freedoms.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the monarch directed that the issue of a curfew be disregarded, emphasizing that the intent was to ensure public safety and awareness during the ongoing traditional rites.
The palace acknowledged that the choice of words in the earlier announcement had been misunderstood.
It explained that such terms were traditionally used whenever Oro rites are performed in the Oyo Kingdom and should not be interpreted in a coercive or restrictive manner.
The statement read: “The office of the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin of Oyo has noted the concerns expressed by some members of the Oyo populace regarding movement restrictions announced in connection with the ongoing Oro Ipebi rites marking Oba Owoade’s ascension to the throne.
“While words like curfew, arrest, and detention were included in the earlier statement, they were used in the traditional context of past Oro rites and should not be interpreted as coercive or meant to undermine religious observances during Ramadan and Lent. Instead, they were intended to encourage caution and awareness during this period.”
The Alaafin, described as a devout Muslim, reaffirmed his commitment to upholding human rights and constitutional freedoms.
Consequently, the directive imposing a curfew and potential arrests has been withdrawn.
“Oba Owoade has directed that the issue of curfew be discountenanced. As a peace-loving king, His Imperial Majesty does not wish to cause disharmony among his people. The original release was issued in the interest of public safety during the Oro rites.”
However, residents have been advised to exercise caution in areas where the rites are being performed.
“It is customary in Oyo to request movement restrictions during Oro rites. However, the palace regrets the use of terms such as curfew, arrest, and detention, which may have caused misinterpretation. The office of the Chief of Staff takes full responsibility, as the Oba had already commenced the rites when the statement was issued.”
The statement concluded by assuring residents and visitors that they can go about their daily activities without fear of harassment or detention.
“We enjoin the good people of Oyo to go about their normal duties without fear of arrest, detention, or molestation.”
The PUNCH
