The Alaafin-elect, Prince Akeem Owoade, and Yoruba Nation agitator, Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, also known as Igboho, have condemned the call by Yoruba Muslims for Freedom (YMF) for the monarch’s arrest over the imposition of a 21-day curfew in Oyo town.
In separate statements, both the Alaafin-elect and Igboho described the call as reckless and a disregard for Yoruba heritage.
Prince Owoade, who recently returned from Canada, began a 21-day seclusion in preparation for his installation as the new Alaafin of Oyo on April 5, 2025. As part of the tradition, a curfew was imposed on Oyo town until the seclusion period ends.
However, the Muslim group, represented by its spokesperson Lateef Akinwale, criticized the curfew, accusing the Alaafin-elect of creating a “state inside a state” and claiming the monarch has no legal authority to enforce such restrictions.
Alaafin’s Response
In response, the Alaafin-elect, through his Director of Media, Bode Durojaye, dismissed the call for his arrest as “malicious, tendentious, unfounded, and a calculated attempt to inflame tension capable of causing religious disharmony.”
Durojaye explained that the restriction is a customary practice in Oyo’s traditional monarchical system during the Oro Ipebi (mandatory traditional rites) period.
He added that the curfew, initially set from 8 pm to 6 am, was later adjusted to 10 pm to 6 am to accommodate Ramadan prayers, including the early morning Fajr and evening Taraweeh prayers.
He questioned, “What is unconstitutional in the declaration of curfew, and why is it a blatant attempt to suppress the freedoms of the people and a direct violation of their rights to free movement, autonomy, and liberty when customary laws are alien to the Nigerian constitution?”
Durojaye emphasized the importance of traditional institutions, stating that the curfew is meant to maintain order, not incite chaos, as residents of Oyo—including Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists—have complied peacefully.
Igboho’s Reaction
Sunday Igboho, through his spokesperson Yomi Koiki, condemned the YMF’s demand, calling it “a blatant act of disrespect towards Yoruba traditional institutions.”
He stressed that such calls undermine Yoruba cultural heritage and threaten unity.
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According to him, “The Yoruba people have, for centuries, upheld a deep respect for their traditional rulers, who serve not only as cultural icons but also as custodians of the land’s values and traditions. The Alaafin of Oyo is one of the most revered monarchs in Yoruba history, and any attempt to discredit or disrespect his authority is an affront to the Yoruba identity itself.”
Igboho described the arrest demand as “a direct attack on Yoruba culture, history, and heritage,” warning against divisive rhetoric, including portraying Yoruba monarchs as “idol worshippers.”
He declared, “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 on religious supremacy. Any attempt to divide us along religious lines will be resisted.”
Defending Traditional Authority
Igboho further argued that the YMF’s stance ignored the historical role of Yoruba monarchs as protectors of their people.
“In times of crisis, Yoruba kings are responsible for making decisions that ensure their communities’ safety. The Alaafin’s decision to impose a curfew was likely driven by a need to maintain order and protect lives rather than any unconstitutional power grab.”
He warned, “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 they will not succeed in their mission to destroy our culture and leadership.”
Call for Security Reinforcement
Meanwhile, concerned Oyo town residents have urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security following the curfew imposed by the Oyomesi chiefs for the traditional rites of the Alaafin’s installation.
They highlighted unconfirmed reports of a group allegedly plotting to disrupt the rites, having previously failed to install their preferred candidate.
The Association of Oyo Indigenes called for the deployment of security forces, especially during early morning hours, to prevent any attack on the king or disruption of the rites.
They added, “If people claim that the purpose of the curfew imposed by the Oyomesi is to engage in human rituals, then the presence of state security forces will deter such activities. More importantly, it will prevent religious extremists from sneaking into Oyo town under the cover of darkness to harm the king, whose movements are currently restricted due to palace customs.”
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