The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State has opposed an alleged plan by some traditionalists to impose a daytime curfew on residents of Ikolaje and Idiroko communities in Ipokia Local Government Area as part of the burial rites for the late Oniko of Ikoland, Oba John Adekunle, who passed away in May.
In a petition dated July 24 and addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Muslim leaders described the proposed curfew as a violation of residents’ fundamental human rights.
They also argued that it breaches multiple peace agreements and contravenes a January 30, 2017 ruling by the Ogun State High Court in Ipokia, which declared the imposition of daytime curfews unconstitutional.
The religious leaders recalled that previous violations of these legal and communal agreements had led to incidents of mosque vandalism and violent attacks on Muslim worshippers by Oro and Orisa adherents.
They warned that the renewed attempt to enforce such a curfew represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law and threatens peaceful coexistence in the area.
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The group urged Governor Abiodun to direct security agencies to intervene promptly to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the affected 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.
