Muslim leaders in Ogun State have petitioned Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in an alleged attempt by traditional religion practitioners to impose an unlawful daytime curfew on residents of Ikolaje and Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area. The curfew, which is part of traditional rites for the late Oniko of Ikoland, Oba John Olakunle, is expected to run from July 21 to August 19, 2025.
Key Issues
- *Unlawful Curfew*: The Muslim leaders argue that the curfew is unconstitutional and violates fundamental human rights, citing a 2017 judgment by Justice S.M. Owodunni that ruled no group has the right to impose a daytime curfew on any community in Ipokia Local Government.
- *Previous Agreements*: The leaders referenced previous agreements between stakeholders, including a 2019 stakeholders' agreement and a 2020 peace communiqué, which restricted Oro rites to between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 am.
- *Security Concerns*: The petitioners are concerned that the curfew could lead to harassment and intimidation of innocent citizens and potentially disrupt peace and security in the area ¹ ².
Demands
The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State is calling on Governor Abiodun to:
- *Intervene in the matter*: To stop the alleged illegal curfew attempt and ensure peace and security in the area.
- *Enforce Court Rulings*: To enforce the implementation of standing government policies limiting Oro rites to 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am.
- *Hold Perpetrators Accountable*: To hold individuals or groups violating these directives accountable.
Background
Similar incidents have been reported in the past, with Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) sending a Save Our Soul (S.O.S) message to the governor in February 2021 to stop an alleged illegal curfew by Oro cultists in Ipokia ³.
