People feel upset about the 23-day curfew starting in Oyo. Rotimi Osuntola announced it as part of ceremonies for Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo. The curfew began Friday, March 7, 2025. Osuntola said the Oro Ipebi ritual must happen before anyone can sit on the Alaafin throne.
Muslim scholars, lawyers, and teachers have spoken against this decision. They talked with DAILY POST during recent interviews. The timing creates problems because Ramadan fasting started on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Many believe this curfew stops Muslims from doing important religious activities during their holy month.
Former Muslim Students Society leader Professor Taofiq Yekini called the decision thoughtless. He believes officials planned these throne ceremonies during Ramadan on purpose. Muslims need freedom both morning and night for prayers and activities throughout Ramadan. Yekini warned that angry reactions might follow, saying officials created this conflict situation.
Dr. Mikail Abdulsalam from the University of Ibadan pointed out two problems with the curfew. First, it violates basic human rights by restricting movement. Second, it creates religious tension during an important Muslim observance. He wondered why nobody stood up against this rule that keeps people from moving between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The professor noted that some people need medical care during those hours, and others depend on nighttime business hours to make money. He called the tradition outdated and against constitutional rights. Dr. Abdulsalam expressed concern that security agencies and government officials stayed silent about this issue.
Muslims who want to attend evening prayers face obstacles because of these rules. The constitution protects their right to worship freely. Dr. Abdulsalam predicted religious conflicts might happen somewhere in Yoruba land if these practices continue. He compared the situation to gunpowder ready to explode when authorities try stopping people from praying.
Dr. Sulaiman Adewale Alagunfon sees the curfew as a test from Allah. He directs the Academy of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ibadan. He encouraged Muslims to stay committed to worship despite these challenges. The scholar questioned the new king's dedication to Islam, suggesting these actions reveal his true beliefs.
Alagunfon noted that a genuine Muslim leader would understand how disrespectful these restrictions feel. Ramadan nights hold special meaning for Muslims who pray Tarawih and Tahajjud and observe Laylat al-Qadr. They also prepare pre-dawn meals called Sahur, requiring movement throughout nighttime hours. He urged Muslims in Oyo Town to remain dedicated despite these obstacles.
Lawyer Abiodun Amole called the curfew unconstitutional and unjustifiable. He pointed to Section 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement for all citizens. Amole described the curfew as unauthorized, inconsiderate, and legally indefensible. He emphasized how the constitution protects every Nigerian's right to move freely across the country.
The attorney explained that this curfew also violates international agreements. It violates Article 13(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conflicts with Article 12(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Both documents protect freedom of movement for everyone who follows the law. Amole called current events in Oyo "sheer illegality."
According to Amole, traditional practices that harm citizen rights cannot continue in modern democracy. He recalled similar problems in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where the Attorney General condemned illegal movement restrictions. Amole expected Oyo State's Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, to speak against these practices. He worried about doctors who work night shifts after evening prayers.
Amole raised practical concerns about emergencies. He asked what happens during medical emergencies, women going into labor or sudden fires. The curfew stops normal night activities for 23 days, causing economic problems throughout Oyo town. These impacts affect many businesses and services during the restriction period.
Dr. Bayonle Busari, who teaches at the Department of Mass Communication and Media Technology at Lead City University, asked for changes to the curfew. He warned that problems might develop if officials ignore public concerns. Tensions exist between old traditions and constitutional rights to free movement and religious practice.
The timing affects both Muslims and Christians during their respective fasting periods. These religious groups make up most people living in Oyo. The town serves as an important travel route between northern and southern Nigeria. Dr. Busari suggested officials should change the rules before people rebel against them, preventing possible violence and disorder.
Muslim scholars, lawyers, and teachers have spoken against this decision. They talked with DAILY POST during recent interviews. The timing creates problems because Ramadan fasting started on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Many believe this curfew stops Muslims from doing important religious activities during their holy month.
Former Muslim Students Society leader Professor Taofiq Yekini called the decision thoughtless. He believes officials planned these throne ceremonies during Ramadan on purpose. Muslims need freedom both morning and night for prayers and activities throughout Ramadan. Yekini warned that angry reactions might follow, saying officials created this conflict situation.
Dr. Mikail Abdulsalam from the University of Ibadan pointed out two problems with the curfew. First, it violates basic human rights by restricting movement. Second, it creates religious tension during an important Muslim observance. He wondered why nobody stood up against this rule that keeps people from moving between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The professor noted that some people need medical care during those hours, and others depend on nighttime business hours to make money. He called the tradition outdated and against constitutional rights. Dr. Abdulsalam expressed concern that security agencies and government officials stayed silent about this issue.
Muslims who want to attend evening prayers face obstacles because of these rules. The constitution protects their right to worship freely. Dr. Abdulsalam predicted religious conflicts might happen somewhere in Yoruba land if these practices continue. He compared the situation to gunpowder ready to explode when authorities try stopping people from praying.
Dr. Sulaiman Adewale Alagunfon sees the curfew as a test from Allah. He directs the Academy of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ibadan. He encouraged Muslims to stay committed to worship despite these challenges. The scholar questioned the new king's dedication to Islam, suggesting these actions reveal his true beliefs.
Alagunfon noted that a genuine Muslim leader would understand how disrespectful these restrictions feel. Ramadan nights hold special meaning for Muslims who pray Tarawih and Tahajjud and observe Laylat al-Qadr. They also prepare pre-dawn meals called Sahur, requiring movement throughout nighttime hours. He urged Muslims in Oyo Town to remain dedicated despite these obstacles.
Lawyer Abiodun Amole called the curfew unconstitutional and unjustifiable. He pointed to Section 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement for all citizens. Amole described the curfew as unauthorized, inconsiderate, and legally indefensible. He emphasized how the constitution protects every Nigerian's right to move freely across the country.
The attorney explained that this curfew also violates international agreements. It violates Article 13(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conflicts with Article 12(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Both documents protect freedom of movement for everyone who follows the law. Amole called current events in Oyo "sheer illegality."
According to Amole, traditional practices that harm citizen rights cannot continue in modern democracy. He recalled similar problems in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where the Attorney General condemned illegal movement restrictions. Amole expected Oyo State's Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, to speak against these practices. He worried about doctors who work night shifts after evening prayers.
Amole raised practical concerns about emergencies. He asked what happens during medical emergencies, women going into labor or sudden fires. The curfew stops normal night activities for 23 days, causing economic problems throughout Oyo town. These impacts affect many businesses and services during the restriction period.
Dr. Bayonle Busari, who teaches at the Department of Mass Communication and Media Technology at Lead City University, asked for changes to the curfew. He warned that problems might develop if officials ignore public concerns. Tensions exist between old traditions and constitutional rights to free movement and religious practice.
The timing affects both Muslims and Christians during their respective fasting periods. These religious groups make up most people living in Oyo. The town serves as an important travel route between northern and southern Nigeria. Dr. Busari suggested officials should change the rules before people rebel against them, preventing possible violence and disorder.
