An Oro procession conducted by Obatala adherents in the streets of Ile-Ife has had a significant impact on business activities in the city.
To facilitate the smooth passage of the Oro procession, traditionalists announced a five-hour curfew from 2 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday in specific areas of Ife town.
In a statement, the leader of the Obatala adherents, Oba Isoro O. Dada, advised residents in the procession route areas to observe the curfew and remain indoors for the welfare of the city.
“A special announcement for the residents of Ile-Ife, the Oro Owa-Ilare festival will commence on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The Oro procession will start at 2 pm and conclude at 7 pm. We urge all residents of Ile-Ife in the designated areas to stay indoors during this time,” Dada stated in a release titled ‘Special Announcement from the House of Obatala to all Muslims and Dwellers in Ile-Ife’.
There has been a history of strained relations between Muslims and Oro adherents in Ile-Ife, leading to violent incidents in the past.
Addressing the recent developments, the Ile-Ife Christian Association chairman, Rev Canon Sam Onitiju, criticized the movement restrictions as unauthorized and warned against any form of harassment under the pretext of traditional ceremonies.
Residents in the designated procession areas reportedly adhered to the curfew instructions and stayed indoors during the specified time.
To prevent altercations between traditionalists and Muslims in Ilare, law enforcement officers and non-traditional security personnel were deployed to the streets.
Both public and private schools in the affected areas closed operations early, and shop owners also shuttered their businesses before the curfew period.
During the curfew, motor parks and streets were deserted as residents remained indoors.
Sharing his experience, a resident of Ilare, Tadese, mentioned a tense atmosphere during the Oro procession in the area. He noted that while Muslims were praying at the mosque, police and vigilante groups were present in large numbers, averting any potential conflict.
Overall, the Oro procession disrupted normal business activities in Ile-Ife for the duration of the curfew.