The Yoruba people have always defended their culture, and we will not allow any group to erode our values in the name of religious fanaticism
Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, is an activist for the Yoruba Nation. He has vehemently opposed the call for the arrest of Akeem Owoade, who is designated to be the Alaafin of Oyo.
A Yoruba Muslims group under the aegis of Yoruba Muslims for Freedom (YMF) has called on the DSS to immediately arrest and prosecute the Alaafin of Oyo for creating a state inside a state.
- Mr. Lateef Akinwale, the group’s spokesperson, spoke on the matter while speaking with reporters early on Saturday morning in Oyo. He said, “We the people of Oyo and the defenders of fundamental freedoms, condemns in the strongest possible terms the unlawful and autocratic declaration of a curfew imposed by the Alàáfin of Oyo, One Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
- “This arbitrary curfew, declared by a non-state actor stands null and void. No part of the Nigerian Constitution empowered a monarch to declare curfew anywhere in the country.
- “Curfew is within the power of a civil government, it is not within the power of any traditional ruler. Only the President or the governor can declare a curfew.
- “The Alàáfin is not a sovereign ruler of the land; he is a traditional figure who holds no legal or constitutional authority to declare such sweeping restrictions over the people.
- “By unilaterally attempting to impose a curfew, he is creating a state within a state, an authoritarian mini-empire that operates outside of the rule of law, ignoring the basic principles of democratic governance and individual freedoms.
- “This is an affront to the sovereignty of the Nigerian state, and to the fundamental rights of every citizen who resides within Oyo Township.
- “This declaration of curfew is an unconstitutional power grab—a blatant attempt to suppress the freedoms of the people, and a direct violation of their rights to free movement, autonomy, and liberty.
- “The Alaafin’s threat to arrest and detain people who defy this illegal curfew is a call for chaos in the peaceful Oyo State and the government must intervene immediately to restore order and freedom.
- “We demand the immediate arrest of the Alàáfin, as he has exceeded his power and created a parallel system of governance in blatant.”
Reacting, Sunday Igboho said, an attempt to undermine the authority of Yoruba traditional rulers is an attack on the cultural legacy and unity of the Yoruba people, according to Igboho, who referred to the demand as reckless and disrespectful. He also cautioned that any attempt to undermine the authority.
The ancient Yoruba monarchs have been held in high esteem for generations as the guardians of history, values, and leadership.
Igboho warned against ignoring the relevance of the monarchy, highlighting the fact that Yoruba kings have always exerted a significant influence in the areas of government, conflict resolution, and the welfare of the community.
“The Alaafin of Oyo holds one of the highest seats of authority in Yoruba land, making any attempt to discredit his role a direct assault on the identity of the Yoruba people.
“The call for the arrest of the Alaafin is a direct attack on Yoruba culture, history, and heritage. Our kings are the protectors of our land, and no group will be allowed to insult or diminish their role.”
Igboho voiced his disapproval of the divisive rhetoric employed by the Yoruba Muslim Freedom (YMF), which allegedly referred the Yoruba monarchs as idol worshippers.
He said that the religious concord that has characterised Yoruba society for generations is in danger of being disrupted by such myths.
He added that the Yoruba people have long been known to promote religious tolerance, with indigenous beliefs, Christianity, and Islam coexisting together. He also stated that Igboho emphasised that it is necessary to oppose attempts to create divisions based on faith.
“It is unacceptable for any group to claim that our Obas are not their leaders because of religious differences. Yoruba land is built on respect and unity, not religious supremacy.”
“If our kings lose their authority, who will defend our land? Who will protect our people? Those calling for the arrest of the Alaafin are enemies of Yoruba land and will not succeed in their mission to destroy our culture and leadership.”
“The Yoruba people have always defended their culture, and we will not allow any group to erode our values in the name of religious fanaticism.”
IREPORT247NEW reported that Oba AbdulAkeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, officially started the 21-day traditional ceremonies called as “Oro Opebi” on Friday night. These rites continue until tonight.
In a statement that was distributed to media in Ibadan, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola, who is the Chief of Staff to the Kabiyesi, made this specific announcement.
The rituals, which started on March 7, 2025, will be finished on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Every day from 8pm at night to 6am in the morning, the Oyo township will be subject to a curfew throughout this time period.
Any anyone who is discovered to be in violation of this curfew will be subject to arrest and custody until seven o’clock the following morning. Movement will be restricted accordingly.
It reads, “The office of the Chief of Staff to His Imperial Majesty, Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I, The Aláàfin of Oyo kingdom hereby announces the commencement of Oro Ipebi, the mandatory rites for His Imperial Majesty before his ascension to the revered throne of The Aláàfin.
“The rites commence from Friday, 7th March to Saturday, 29th March 2025.
“This means movements are not allowed during the period of the curfew and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained till 7am of the following day after his or her arrest.
“It is pertinent to state that Oro Ipebi which makes the incoming Aláàfin to go into absolute seclusion while it lasts is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all and sundry.”