Tension is brewing in the Ikolaje and Idiroko communities of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, as the League of Imams and Alfas has petitioned the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over an alleged attempt by traditional religion adherents to impose a daytime curfew on residents in the name of traditional rites.

In a petition addressed to the Governor and copied to top security agencies and religious leaders across the state, the Muslim body expressed grave concern over ongoing activities by certain traditionalists who they claim began enforcing movement restrictions on Monday.

The restrictions, the group alleges, are part of Oro rites being held for the late Oniko of Ikoland, Oba John Olakunle, and are expected to last until August 19.

The League described the move as an affront to constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of movement, religion, and association, warning that it risks undermining peace and security in the area.

The petition, signed by the Secretary General of the League, Imam Tajudeen Mustapha Adewunmi, condemned the forced closure of shops and harassment of law-abiding citizens, stating that such actions violate a series of standing legal and communal agreements.

Quoting a 2017 High Court judgment delivered by Hon. Justice S.M. Owodunni in Suit No. M/8/2017, the League pointed out that no individual or group has the legal right to impose curfews or restrict movement under any guise.

The ruling specifically restricted Oro festival activities to the hours between midnight and 4:00 am.

The petition further referenced a 2019 stakeholders’ agreement among Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists, as well as a 2020 peace communique involving community and security stakeholders, all of which affirmed that daytime Oro activities were prohibited.

Additionally, the League cited official government directives, including a 2012 letter from the Yewa Traditional Council and a 2018 reaffirmation by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as evidence that the current actions are in violation of established rules.

The Muslim leaders also referenced a 2019 incident in which Muslim worshippers were reportedly attacked and a mosque vandalised during Oro rites, warning that a repeat of such violations would not be tolerated.

In their submission, the League requested the Governor to immediate intervene by instructing the security agencies to halt any unlawful curfew or restriction of movement.

The League also requested the government to reaffirm the state’s policy limiting Oro activities to nighttime hours only.

The petition pledged cooperation from the League of Imams and Alfas to promote peace, justice, and religious harmony across Ogun State.