The residents of the ancient town of Ile-Ife, have been warned to remain indoors for the Oro deity to observe the final funeral rites for the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), it was observed that the palace town criers were going round the town announcing that residents, especially commercial drivers and motorcyclists should stay indoors between 7 am and 6 pm.
NAN reports that this will enable the Oro deity perform necessary rites for the departed monarch.
It was gathered that the head of Oro Cult in Ife, the Awara of Iwara, Oba Layi Adereti, had ordered the curfew, warning that anyone who flouted the order, irrespective of age or gender would face its consequences.
However, residents were apprehensive of the stay-at-home order as many of them rushed to the few available markets to get essentials that will last them for the day.
It would be recalled that major markets in Ife have been shut since last week Friday when the burial rites started.
However, some markets in Mayfair and its environs have been in operation.
As a result of the curfew, some heads of departments in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife cancelled the continuous assessment tests for their students earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday.
Some students, who reside off campus, have been advised to remain indoors in compliance with the Oro cult order.
Also, hundreds of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as “Okada riders” were seen on Friday distributing a hand bill to their colleagues, warning them against operating in Ife on Saturday.
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