The Alaafin-elect of Oyo, Prince Akeem Owoade, and Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemi, widely known as Igboho, have strongly opposed calls by the Yoruba Muslims for Freedom (YMF) for the monarch’s arrest over the imposition of a 21-day curfew in Oyo town.
In separate statements, both the Alaafin-elect and Igboho dismissed the demand as reckless and disrespectful to Yoruba traditions and heritage.
Traditional Seclusion and Curfew
Prince Owoade, who recently returned from Canada, entered a 21-day seclusion period as part of the traditional rites for his official installation as the new Alaafin of Oyo, scheduled for April 5, 2025. In alignment with Yoruba customs, a temporary curfew was placed on the town during this sacred period.
However, the Muslim group, through its spokesperson, Lateef Akinwale, criticized the move, arguing that the Alaafin-elect had no constitutional authority to enforce such a restriction, claiming it amounted to an overreach of governmental powers.
Alaafin’s Response
The Alaafin-elect, through his media director, Bode Durojaye, dismissed the call for his arrest as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and sow discord.
Durojaye stated, “This call is baseless, inflammatory, and aims to create unnecessary religious tension. The Muslim group’s lack of understanding of the traditional monarchical system in Oyo is evident, and they must be educated rather than misinforming the public.”
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He further explained that the curfew, initially set between 8 PM and 6 AM, was later adjusted to 10 PM to 6 AM to accommodate Ramadan prayers, ensuring that Muslim residents could observe Fajr and Taraweeh without restrictions.
Durojaye added, “The curfew is not unconstitutional. It aligns with customary practices that have been in place for centuries. Our traditional institutions play an important role in governance, and their preservation is crucial.”
Sunday Igboho’s Reaction
Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, through his spokesperson, Yomi Koiki, condemned the YMF’s stance, calling it a blatant attack on Yoruba traditions and leadership.
“The Yoruba people have always revered their traditional rulers as custodians of our culture and values. The Alaafin of Oyo holds a significant position in Yoruba history, and any attempt to discredit his authority is an affront to our identity,” he said.
Igboho warned against divisive rhetoric that portrays Yoruba monarchs as idol worshippers, stating, “Such statements only incite religious tension. Yoruba land has thrived on unity, and we will not tolerate any attempt to sow discord among our people.”
The Role of Traditional Rulers in Community Protection
The YMF’s claim that only the government has the right to impose a curfew disregards the historical role of Yoruba monarchs as guardians of their communities.
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“Yoruba kings have always made decisions in the best interest of their people’s safety. The Alaafin’s action was not about power but about maintaining peace and order,” Igboho emphasized.
He further stated, “If our kings lose their authority, who will defend our land? Those calling for the Alaafin’s arrest do not have Yoruba interests at heart. We will resist any attempt to undermine our traditions.”
Security Concerns in Oyo Town
Meanwhile, concerned Oyo indigenes have urged the state government to enhance security in the town to prevent potential disruptions during the ongoing traditional rites.
A local group alleged that religious extremists, dissatisfied with the Oyomesi’s selection of the Alaafin-elect, might attempt to disrupt the enthronement process.
The Association of Oyo Indigenes has called for increased security presence, particularly in the early morning hours, to safeguard the monarch and uphold the integrity of the rites.
“If the curfew was truly about rituals, then having security forces on the ground would prevent any unlawful activity. More importantly, it would stop any extremist elements from endangering the king or interfering with the process,” the group stated.
As tensions remain high, the Yoruba community continues to emphasize the importance of respecting cultural heritage while fostering religious harmony.
