Oro Festival: 7-Day Curfew Declared in APC-Controlled State

• Ijebu-Ode local government area of Ogun state announced a seven-day curfew for the observance of the “Oro festival”
• The chairman of the LGA, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, confirmed this in a statement on Monday and issued a directive to women and non-initiates in the council area
• It is not clear whether the rites are connected to the passage of the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Ijebu Ode, Ogun state residents are bracing for a seven-day daily midnight curfew, from 12 am to 4 am.

The announcement was made by the local government chairman, Dare Alebiosu, for the annual ‘Oro’ festival starting Wednesday, July 30, to Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

This traditional observance, primarily an all-male affair, typically restricts movement for women and non-initiates during its rituals, with authorities emphasising strict compliance for public safety and cultural preservation.

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In a statement issued on Monday, July 28, Alebiosu revealed that the curfew was in observance of traditional rites.

Alebiosu said:

“The general public is hereby informed that there will be a daily Oro curfew across Ijebu Ode Local Government Area for seven consecutive days, beginning from Wednesday, 30th July to Tuesday, 5th August 2025.

“All movement is strictly prohibited, and residents are strongly advised to remain indoors for their safety.”

However, Alebiosu did not state if the Oro curfew was in relation to the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, The Punch reported.

According to reports, Oro is an annual traditional festival that is of patriarchal nature, as it is only celebrated by male descendants who are paternal natives to the specific locations where the particular event is taking place.

How Awujale was buried

Adetona died on July 13, 2025 at the age of 91. Legit.ng reported that the Awujale of Ijebuland, was laid to rest at his private residence in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

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Oba Adetona's burial Muslim was held in strict adherence to tradition and privacy, as he was reportedly interred according to traditional rites in a solemn ceremony.

The presence of cult members at the funeral caused some apprehension, however, they were asked to leave the venue by security operatives that included personnel of the Nigerian Army.

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Ogun gov renames institution after Awujale

In another development, Legit.ng reported that Ogun state governor Dapo Abiodun renamed the Tai Solarin College of Education to Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Science and Technology.

Governor Abiodun announced the development at the 8th Day Fidau prayer for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.

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The announcement continued to generate mixed reactions from concerned Nigerians, even though the school had earlier been renamed before the traditional ruler's death.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng