League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, has rejected an alleged plan by some traditionalists to impose a daytime curfew on the residents of the Ikolaje and Idiroko communities in the Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.
The planned daytime curfew is said to be part of the burial rites of the late Oniko of Ikoland, Idiroko, Oba John Adekunle, who joined his ancestors in May.
In a petition to Governor Dapo Abiodun and dated July 24, the Muslims leaders described the curfew as an infringement on the residents’ fundamental human rights.
The religious leaders said the move also violates several past stakeholders’ peace agreements and the January 30, 2017, judgment of the State High Court sitting at Ipokia, which declared the imposition of a daytime curfew on any community unconstitutional and an outright violation of citizens’ fundamental human rights.
The Muslim leaders stated that past breaches of the court judgement and several peace agreements had led to vandalism of a mosque and brutal attacks on Muslim worshippers by Oro and Orisa adherents.
They alleged that the ongoing attempt to impose a daytime curfew, is not only a clear defiance of the binding legal and communal resolutions but also a real threat to peaceful coexistence and the rule of law in the state.
The Muslim leaders called on Abiodun to quickly direct immediate intervention by the security agencies to avoid breakdown of law and order in the communities.
The statement partly reads, “Your Excellency, we have credible reports that certain individuals and groups claiming to be traditional practitioners have commenced activities aimed at imposing a daytime curfew on innocent residents under the guise of performing traditional rites for the late Oniko of Ikoland, Oba John Olakunle.
“These activities began on Monday, 21st July, 2025 and are scheduled to continue until 19th August, 2025, during which residents are being threatened with forced restriction of movement, closure of shops, and other infringements on their daily lawful activities.
“While the League of Imams and Alfas fully recognises and respects the rights of traditional religion adherents, we unequivocally condemn any attempt to forcefully compromise the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens contrary to the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and established court judgements.
“We respectfully call to the attention of Your Excellency the following binding legal and administrative positions on this matter: Judgment of the High Court of Ogun State Holden at Ipokia (30th January, 2017.
“The Honourable Justice S.M. Owodunni in Suit No. M/8/2017 declared that no individual or group has the right to impose a daytime curfew on any community in Ipokia Local Government; that any such act is unlawful, unconstitutional, and an outright violation of citizens’ fundamental human rights; and that Oro festival must be restricted to between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 am only.
“At the Stakeholders Agreement of 21st August, 2019, representatives of Muslims, Christians and Traditionalists (Oro adherents) agreed that Oro festival rites should be held strictly between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 am, with no form of human restrictions or infringement on fundamental rights.”
The body expressed its commitment to peace and to work with Abiodun’s administration to uphold the rule of law.
