The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has described the curfew declared by the Obatala traditional worshipers in Ile-Ife as illegal.
Recall that the Obatala traditional worshippers had declared a five-hour curfew in Ile-Ife, on Monday 25th March, 2024 to take effect today, Wednesday, 27th March, 2024 from 2 pm to 7 pm.
Consequently, in an effort to prevent an unneeded religious conflict in the town, the Christian religious body called on the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to urgently summon the Obatala worshippers to order.
Speaking at a press conference addressed in Ile-Ife, Osun state, on Wednesday, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ile-Ife chapter, Rev Sam Onitiju urged Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to intervene, adding that such illegal movement restriction should not be allowed in the town.
Onitiju said, “As Christian Association of Nigeria Ile-Ife our attention has been drawn to a press release by Obalesu Dada on behalf of Obatala traditional worshippers on illegal movement restriction and stay in doors of people in some areas in lle-Ife on Wednesday 27th March, 2024 between 2pm-7pm.
“We want to brings to the notice of Christians and dwellers in Ile-ife that His imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi during the peace meeting with religion leaders and Osun State Commissioner of Police on May 15th, 2023 held in his palace.
“The Muslims led by Chief Imam Alhaji Abdul Semiy Abdul Hammed the Christian led by CAN chairman Rev, Canon Dr Sam Leye Onitiju and traditionalist led by Obalesu Dada himself, Kabiyesi emphasis on the need for religion tolerance and also warmed against the restriction of movement of people in broad daylight.
“In the light of the above, we encourage all christians to observe their holy week services in churches a cross ife land without fear of molestation and attack from any individual and/or group of people.
“And we want to inform the Inspector general of Police, Osun State Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander of police to ensure that the normal reigning of peace in lle-Ife is not disrupted and no one should be molested by anybody or group of people under the disguise of any religious rite”.
