By Oluseye Ojo
The 10-hour curfew earlier declared on Friday for the seclusion rites (Oro Ipebi) for the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has been reviewed downward. The curfew, which was reduced from 10 hours to six and a half hours, will now begin at 10 p.m. and end at 4:30 a.m., instead of the previously announced 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The Chief of Staff to the new Alaafin, Rotimi Osuntola, who confirmed the review on Saturday, explained that the ongoing Lent for Christians and Ramadan for Muslims necessitated the adjustment. His words: “Sequel to a meeting facilitated by the Office of His Imperial Majesty, The Aláàfin of Òyóland, held with the leaders of different religious faiths, it has been agreed that Oro Ipebi, which has commenced from Friday, 7th March but which its curfew was earlier announced to be commencing from 8pm and ending at 6a.m., is now to start from 10pm and end by 4:30am daily in view of the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons.
“As earlier announced and directed, movements of persons are still not allowed from 10pm to 4:30am and any contravention shall be met with arrest, detention and release of the offender at 7am of the day after his or her arrest.”
He prayed that the Almighty God, “who is ‘Yea andnd Amen’ answer all our supplications during this fasting season.”