Tension in Oyo as residents protest 23-day curfew for Alaafin's traditional rites - Newstrends
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Tension in Oyo as residents protest 23-day curfew for Alaafin’s traditional rites

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1 year ago

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Newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade

Tension in Oyo as residents protest 23-day curfew for Alaafin’s traditional rites

There is palpable tension in the ancient town of Oyo as residents react to the 23-day curfew announced by Rotimi Osuntola, Chief of Staff to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

The curfew, which follows the commencement of Oro Ipebi, is part of the traditional rites leading up to the formal ascension of the Alaafin.

However, the timing of the curfew, which comes just six days into the Ramadan fast, has sparked criticism from Islamic scholars, legal practitioners, and academics. Some have described the decision as insensitive and an infringement on religious and human rights.

A former Amir of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Professor Taofiq Yekini, strongly condemned the move, calling it an “invitation to crisis.” He criticized the timing, stating that it disrupts essential religious activities during Ramadan.

“It is insensitive. The issue of the rites to the throne was delayed to the period of Ramadan when we knew that the period of Ramadan, morning and night, are usually characterised by activities. Then you are now imposing a curfew at the period when you know that the Muslims will be busy morning and night throughout this period, that is insensitivity. It is insensitivity on the part of the people that declared it and even the government for allowing such to stay.

So, if the Muslims now react, they will be blaming the Muslims. We want the general public to know that this is an invitation to crisis. That is what they are calling for,” he said.

Dr. Mikail Abdulsalam, a lecturer in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, expressed concerns that the curfew could lead to religious conflict if not addressed. He emphasized that restricting movement in the name of traditional rites is a violation of human rights.

“The imposition of curfew is a violation of human rights. Declaring a curfew in the name of the appointment of a new king or traditional rites for the new king is a violation of human rights. It is quite unfortunate that no single human rights advocate has ever condemned this. If it is the Muslims that did this, some people will say it is anti-people.

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“Why will they tell people not to move between 8pm and 5am when some people may need urgent medical attention?

“That is a prime time for some people to do their businesses. So, declaring curfew in the name of traditional rites is a violation of human rights. We are civilized beyond all these things and it is barbaric. It is unconstitutional. You cannot say because someone wants to become king, people should not go out, who is he going to rule?

“Painfully, no one is condemning it, the security agencies, the state and local governments are not saying anything about it. Why is it that a single entity is declaring curfew when we have the government?

“Muslims need to go out and observe Solat Ishai and that will be affected, and if this is not taken seriously, it can lead to religious conflicts. I am at liberty to go out at that time to pray under the Nigerian constitution, so, I have never for once infringed on other people’s rights and you are telling me not to go, so, it is an infringement on my right; it may lead to religious conflicts, go and write it down. If it does not happen today, it will happen somewhere in Yoruba land if they continue like this.

“It is like gunpowder, it is going to blow one day. If people say that they want to go out and pray and you see some people saying they should arrest them, then it can lead to conflicts.” he said

Dr. Sulaiman Adewale Alagunfon, an Islamic scholar and Director of the Academy of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ibadan, described the situation as a test from Allah. He urged Muslims in Oyo to remain steadfast despite the restrictions.

“This situation serves as a test of our Islamic faith and reveals where the new king truly stands. For a purported ‘Muslim’ king to declare and enforce such anti-Islamic measures, citing ‘traditional rites’ during this sacred month, clearly highlights his true allegiance. As we have observed throughout his nomination, it has become evident that he does not genuinely adhere to Islam, even though he retains his Muslim name as a façade.

“This singular act demonstrates his opposition to Islam and the Muslim community. If he were truly observing the fast and fulfilling his Islamic obligations as a Muslim, he would understand the profound disrespect it shows to the feelings of Muslims to restrict movement during a month when the ‘nights’ hold great significance for our faith. He would recognize that night prayers, such as Tarawih, Tahajjud, and Laylat al-Qadr, as well as Sahur, are essential practices that require Muslims to move from one place to another during the nights of Ramadan for various reasons.

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“I urge the Muslims in Oyo Town to remain steadfast and committed to their acts of worship during this holy month of Ramadan. The imposition of a curfew should be viewed as a test from Allah, who wants to see how dedicated Muslims can be in challenging circumstances,” he stated.

An Ibadan-based lawyer, Barrister Abiodun Amole, condemned the curfew as unconstitutional and unjustifiable. He argued that the curfew violates Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of movement.

“Without mincing words, the declaration of a 23-day curfew in the ancient town of Oyo under the guise of performing Ipebi rites is a gross violation of the spirit and letter of Section of Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which guarantees citizens’ right to freedom of movement.

“The so-called curfew is extra-constitutional, unilateral, inconsiderate and unjustifiable to say the least. Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) expressly provides thus: ‘Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom’.

“Furthermore, the purported curfew is also contrary to Article 13(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on 10th December, 1948 and Article 12 (1) of the African Charter On Human and Peoples’ Rights. Article 13(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states thus: ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state’.

“In a similar vein, Article 12(1) of the African Charter On Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that: ‘Every individual shall have the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of a State provided he abides by the law’. Having regard to the above clear provisions of the grundnorm and the two treaties to which the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a signatory, the scenario currently playing out in Oyo town amounts to sheer illegality.

“Any traditional rites that infringe on citizens’ rights in any way or manner whatsoever cannot stand in a democratic society where the rule of law is sacrosanct.” Amole argued.

Dr. Bayonle Busari, a lecturer at Lead City University, warned that if the curfew is not reviewed, it may lead to a breakdown of law and order. He emphasized that the situation must be handled carefully to avoid rebellion.

“There is the need to handle the coronation rites with caution so as not to make living difficult for the subjects who Kabiyesi will rule over. There may be an obvious clash between tradition and the right to free movement and religion, which the constitution guarantees as inalienable.

“The period coincides with the fasting month of both Muslims and Christians who form the larger percentage of the indigenes and residents of the ancient town.

“Not only this, Oyo town is a corridor for those who commute between the north and south of the country, and the restriction will obviously curtail their movement.

“I think, in view of the prevailing time, the restriction could be reviewed in a way that will not lead to a probable rebellion and breakdown of law and order.”

 

Tension in Oyo as residents protest 23-day curfew for Alaafin’s traditional rites

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Oyo Grand Chief Imam Declares Marathon Prayers Over Insecurity, Peace of Oyoland

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6 hours ago

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May 20, 2026

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Oyo Grand Chief Imam Declares Marathon Prayers Over Insecurity, Peace of Oyoland
Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu

Oyo Grand Chief Imam Declares Marathon Prayers Over Insecurity, Peace of Oyoland

OYO, Nigeria – Deeply troubled by the rising wave of insecurity sweeping across the nation, the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has declared a special marathon prayer programme to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Oyoland and Nigeria as a whole.

The announcement came through an official press release issued on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, from the Office of the Grand Chief Imam. The revered Islamic leader expressed profound concern over the persistent security challenges plaguing the country, with particular emphasis on Oyo State, stressing that the current situation demands both practical security measures and sincere spiritual intervention from all stakeholders. According to the Grand Chief Imam, the marathon prayers will feature Adhkaar (remembrances of Allah), Nawaafil (supererogatory prayers), recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, and special supplications dedicated exclusively to the peace and progress of the land. The spiritual gathering is designed to be a continuous session of worship and fervent prayer.

The spiritual gathering is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 26th May 2026, which coincides with the blessed Day of Arafah – widely regarded as the holiest day in the Islamic calendar. The event will take place at the Oyo Central Mosque, commencing from 12:00 PM and continuing uninterruptedly until Maghrib (sunset) time, by the grace of Allah. The prayer session will focus intensely on seeking Allah’s mercy and protection for Oyoland, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large. Special attention will be directed at the rising wave of insecurity, including fear, kidnapping, violence, banditry, and social unrest that have increasingly disrupted communities across the nation.

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In a show of reverence for traditional institutions, special prayers will also be offered for the wellbeing, sound health, wisdom, and divine guidance of His Imperial Majesty, Abdul Hakeem Abimbola Owoade I, the Elewuetu the Great. The Grand Chief Imam further called for supplications for increasing prosperity, progress, infrastructural development, and human capacity advancement across all sectors of Oyoland. In a significant political declaration, the Grand Chief Imam announced that prayers shall be made for the emergence of Oyo Town as the capital of the proposed Oyo State in the coming political dispensation, by the grace of Allah. This marks a bold spiritual endorsement of long-standing political aspirations within the community.

The Grand Chief Imam called on all stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Ustads, Afas, community leaders, youth groups, and all meaningful Nigerians to unite in prayers and collective efforts towards restoring peace, harmony, and development to the nation. He emphasized that insecurity is a challenge that transcends religious and ethnic boundaries, requiring a unified response from all citizens. He also encouraged all Muslims to observe fasting on the Day of Arafah, describing it as one of the most spiritually rewarding days in Islam and a unique opportunity for supplication, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and obtaining divine mercy.

Adequate arrangements, according to the Imam, will be put in place to ensure comfort and convenience for all participants throughout the programme. Security and crowd management measures are expected to be established to facilitate a smooth and focused spiritual exercise without disruptions. The Grand Chief Imam concluded by praying for Allah’s divine intervention in the affairs of the nation and for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity across Oyoland and Nigeria. The press release was signed by the Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, for and on behalf of Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, with the closing invocation: Wallahul Musta’aan (Allah is the One Whose help is sought) and Assalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh.

Oyo Grand Chief Imam Declares Marathon Prayers Over Insecurity, Peace of Oyoland

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No Fatalities in Zaria Mosque Collapse Despite Social Media Rumors

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7 hours ago

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May 20, 2026

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No Fatalities in Zaria Mosque Collapse Despite Social Media Rumors

No Fatalities in Zaria Mosque Collapse Despite Social Media Rumors

ZARIA, Nigeria – A partial collapse at the historic Zaria Central Mosque during ongoing renovation work has left three construction workers injured, but authorities have confirmed that no lives were lost – contradicting earlier social media claims that two people had died.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when a section of decking beside the southern minaret gave way while workers were carrying out casting work on the second floor of the mosque. The collapse is part of a larger mosque reconstruction project currently underway at the revered religious landmark.

Despite unverified reports circulating online that two persons had died in the collapse, emergency responders and officials at the scene have confirmed zero fatalities. The three injured workers were promptly evacuated and taken to a hospital in Zaria for medical treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly detailed, but sources indicate they are stable and receiving care.

The collapse happened specifically during decking casting – a process involving the pouring of concrete for floor slabs. Workers were focused on the second floor area adjacent to the southern minaret when the structure gave way. The reconstruction project has been ongoing for several months, aimed at renovating and modernizing the historic prayer space.

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The Zazzau Emirate Council, which has oversight of the Zaria Central Mosque, has declined to provide operational details regarding the collapse. A Council spokesperson stated that the mosque reconstruction is managed by a dedicated technical committee in collaboration with the private construction company handling the renovation. “We are leaving all operational comments to the technical committee and the construction firm,” a Council official said. “Our primary concern is the well-being of the workers and the integrity of the project.”

Following the incident, security personnel quickly cordoned off the affected section of the mosque to prevent unauthorized access. A preliminary assessment of the structural damage is expected to be conducted by the technical committee and the construction company. Other sections of the mosque have not been reported as compromised. The collapse has raised questions about construction site safety protocols for religious building renovations. It remains unclear whether work will be paused or if safety reviews will be conducted before casting operations resume.

The Zaria Central Mosque is a landmark of immense historical and religious significance to the Zazzau Emirate. Its ongoing reconstruction has been closely watched by community members and religious leaders. Wednesday’s incident marks the first reported accident during the renovation period.

Representatives of the construction company responsible for the project had not responded to requests for comment as of the time of this report. Further details regarding the cause of the collapse and any planned safety reviews are expected in the coming days.

No Fatalities in Zaria Mosque Collapse Despite Social Media Rumors

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Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna

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13 hours ago

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May 20, 2026

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Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna

Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna

Published: May 20, 2026 | Read Time: 4 minutes

The Kaduna Police Command has uncovered a shocking case of family betrayal, revealing that an elderly man, Alhaji Rabo Jelani, was allegedly kidnapped twice by his own son and grandson. The suspects reportedly collected a total of N6.5 million in ransom and operated with multiple AK-47 rifles, one of which has been recovered by police.

The Kaduna Police Command announced on Tuesday that Yusuf Rabo (the victim’s son) and Musa Adamu (an accomplice) have been arrested following intensive investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani, an elderly man from Kaduna State. Both suspects are currently in custody and have been charged with criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. According to police spokesperson DCP Anthony Okon Placid, investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna—the victim’s own grandson—to kidnap the elderly man for ransom. The motive was that the syndicate believed that Alhaji Rabo Jelani possessed substantial wealth and large livestock holdings.

While two suspects are in custody, police have confirmed that Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson, remains at large. Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the crimes. The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups across the country.

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Findings revealed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo himself. In a chilling twist, the son was reportedly negotiating with his own family for the release of his father while the elderly man was held captive in the forest. The first abduction reportedly yielded a ransom payment of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) , while a subsequent operation generated Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,500,000) . This brings the total amount extorted from the family to N6.5 million.

Investigations further established that the criminal syndicate procured and deployed multiple AK-47 rifles for their operations. In a shocking revelation, police allege that Ali Haruna (the grandson) supplied one of the firearms belonging to his own father —meaning the grandson allegedly took his father’s rifle to help kidnap his grandfather. Additional weapons were sourced by other members of the gang. During the police operation, authorities successfully recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine.

The police have also linked the syndicate to several other violent crimes within Kaduna State and surrounding communities. These include the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis where commuters were dispossessed of cash, phones, and other valuables. The suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal network operating in the area.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling violent crime, stating that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country and assures members of the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups. The police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover more weapons and items connected to the case.

Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna

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