The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade has cleared the misconception about the imposed curfew during the 21-day traditional rites otherwise known as Oro Ipebi in the town and the choice of words as contained in the statement earlier issued to the effect. Nigerian Tribune reports.
The Kabiyesi in a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola said the choice of words in the statement issued to notify the people of the ancient town is not aimed at demeaning the practitioners of any religion.
It was submitted that the employment of words such as “ curfew”, “arrest” and “detention” were used in an earlier release that emanated from the Chief of Staff”s office were used in the loose traditional sense of anytime Orò rites are performed in Òyó Kingdom, and their interpretations should be seen as such.
The statement read, “The office of the Chief of Staff to His Imperial Majesty, The Aláàfin of Oyo has noted the sentiments expressed by a section of Oyo populace on restriction of movements during certain hours of the day announced in view of the ongoing Orò Ipębí being currently performed in respect of Aláyélúwà Oba Abimbola Abdul-Akeem Òwóadé I’s ascendancy to the throne of The Aláàfin.
“While the employment of words such as “ curfew”, “arrest” and “detention” were used in earlier release that emanated from this office, they were used in the loose traditional sense of anytime Orò rites are performed in Òyó Kingdom, and their interpretations should be seen as such, and not being coercive or meant to demean or profane the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons, instead, they were just meant to encourage our people to be mindful of their movements during the traditional rites.
“Therefore, the earlier release concerning curfew, arrest and detention of violators should be discountenanced. His Imperial Majesty himself being a practicing Muslim and a man of Iman (faith) will never toy with human
rights and freedoms enshrined and guaranteed by the constitution.
“His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Owoade has directed that the issue of curfew be discountenanced. The Oba being a peace-loving King does not want disunity and disharmony amongst the subjects as the initial release was aimed at protecting the lives of all and sundry in Oyo town during the period of the Oro rites.
The indigenes are advised to be careful with their movement in the areas where the Oro rites are being performed.
It is customary in Oyo to ask for the restriction of movement during the Oro rites, however, the office of the Chief of Staff regrets the use of the words, curfew, arrests and detention and hereby accepts responsibility
because the Oba had started the rites when the release was made.
“We enjoin the good people of Oyo to go about their normal duties without fear of arrest, detention and molestation’.
