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The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State raised concerns on Sunday regarding traditionalists' intentions to enforce a daytime curfew in the Ikolaje and Idiroko communities in the Ipokia Local Government Area.
This proposed curfew, which is causing tension and anxiety among residents, especially Muslims and traditionalists, is related to the burial rites of the late Oniko of Ikoland, Oba John Adekunle.
In a petition addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, dated July 24, and also sent to the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Service, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Muslim leaders argued that the actions of the traditionalists blatantly disobey the country's constitution that ensures the fundamental human rights of its citizens.
They contended that this move contradicts previous peace agreements and the January 30, 2017, judgment by the State High Court in Ipokia, which deemed any imposition of a daytime curfew on communities unconstitutional and a direct violation of citizens' rights.
Justice Owoduni, who issued the verdict, ordered that the Oro festival should only take place between 12 midnight and 4 am.
The petition highlights credible reports indicating that some individuals claiming to be traditional practitioners have begun activities aimed at enforcing a daytime curfew on innocent residents while misrepresenting it as necessary for performing traditional rites for the late Oniko of Ikoland, Oba John Olakunle.
These actions commenced on Monday, July 21, 2025, and are set to continue until August 19, 2025, during which residents face threats of forced movement restrictions, shop closures, and other violations of their lawful activities.
While the League of Imams and Alfas fully acknowledges and respects the rights of adherents of traditional religions, they strongly denounce any attempts to infringe upon the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens, contrary to the clear provisions laid out in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and existing court rulings.
They referenced binding legal and administrative decisions on this matter, including the ruling from Ogun State High Court in Ipokia on January 30, 2017, asserting that no individual or group can impose a daytime curfew on any community in Ipokia Local Government, labeling such actions as unlawful and unconstitutional, and reiterating that the Oro festival should be limited to the hours of 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am.
At the Stakeholders Agreement on August 21, 2019, representatives from the Muslim, Christian, and Traditionalist communities agreed that the Oro festival should only take place during the designated nighttime hours without any human restrictions or infringements on fundamental rights.
Furthermore, in another peace meeting held on February 27, 2020, attended by various religious stakeholders and security agencies, it was agreed that there would be no daytime curfew and that Oro festivals should be held within the hours agreed upon.
The traditional religion practitioners also pledged to avoid mosques and schools, establishing that any breach of the peace accord would result in accountability for the involved leaders.
A letter from the Yewa Traditional Council dated September 27, 2012, also prohibited the celebration of the Oro festival in the daytime, which was reaffirmed by the then Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in a letter dated June 11, 2018.
The Muslim leaders further indicated that past violations of this court ruling and various peace agreements in July 2019 led to vandalism of a mosque and violent assaults on Muslim worshippers by adherents of Oro and Orisa.
They claimed that the ongoing efforts to enforce a daytime curfew from July 21, 2025, to August 19, 2025, not only disrespect these binding legal and community agreements but also pose a significant threat to peaceful coexistence and the rule of law in the state.
In light of the rising tensions and the potential for disorder, the Muslim leaders have called on Governor Abiodun to urgently instruct security agencies to intervene and stop the unlawful curfew attempt, safeguard lives and property, and prevent intimidation and harassment of innocent residents.
They also urged the governor to reaffirm the government's stringent policy limiting Oro rites to the hours between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 am, in line with court rulings, government directives, and stakeholder agreements.
Finally, the Muslim leaders called on Abiodun to hold accountable any individuals or leaders of traditional groups who persist in ignoring past lawful directives and agreements while assuring residents of Ikolaje, Idiroko, and the broader state of their rights to move freely, worship, work, and conduct their lawful businesses without fear.
