A seven-day midnight curfew will begin in Ijebu Ode for the annual Oro festival starting July 30.
Residents, especially women and non-indigenes, are urged to stay indoors from 12am to 4am.
Residents of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State will observe a seven-day midnight curfew from Wednesday, July 30 to Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in line with preparations for the annual Oro festival. The curfew will be enforced daily from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, who stated that the curfew is necessary to facilitate traditional rites associated with the all-male cultural event.
Alebiosu explained: “The general public is hereby informed that there will be a daily Oro curfew across Ijebu Ode Local Government Area for seven consecutive days. The curfew will be in effect daily from 12 midnight to 4 am during this period. This restriction is in observance of traditional rites.”
He warned that movement during curfew hours is strictly prohibited and urged residents to remain indoors for their safety. Special emphasis was placed on the need for non-indigenes and women traditionally restricted during Oro rituals to cooperate with the directive.
“We appeal to all residents, especially non-indigenes, to cooperate fully with this directive, in respect for our customs and to maintain public order,” the chairman added.
While Alebiosu did not confirm whether the curfew is related to the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 speculation persists over the connection between the timing of the festival and the monarch’s recent death.
