4th September,
2019
PRESS
RELEASE:
ARREST, PROSECUTE ORO CULT LEADERS NOW
An
illegal round-the-clock curfew has been imposed on Idiroko, Agosasa, Ilase,
Ajegunle and some other communities in Ipokia Local Government of Ogun State
since yesterday, Tuesday, September 3, 2019 by Oro cultists. The curfew has
paralysed commercial activities in the whole area as shops and markets are
under lock and key. Women and strangers are not allowed to move about and
schools are already affected.
This
was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Director of the Muslim Rights
Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday, 4th
September, 2019.
According
to Akintola, the Oro worshippers who signed an agreement with Christians and
Muslims at a religious
stakeholders’ meeting held at the Conference Room of Ipokia
Local Government Secretariat on 21st August 2019 have reneged on
their promise barely one week later.
He continued, “The meeting was
presided over by the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) in Ipokia,
Engr Babatunde Odunlami. Representatives of Christians and Muslims were in
attendance. Security agents were also there. They all signed an agreement
restricting the celebration of Oro festival to midnight from 12 am to 4 am. The
signed document also indicated that there should be no restriction of any form
to non-members of Oro cult within the period.”
MURIC provided more insight into
the agreement.
“It was agreed that Christians and Muslims must conduct their services
inside churches and mosques respectively. Outside procession with loudspeakers
are also forbidden during Oro festivals while no religious group should, in
their preaching or songs, call traditional worshippers derogatory names and no
one should infringe on the fundamental human rights of citizens as enshrined in
the Nigerian constitution. In addition, any religious group that intends to
organise a festival must inform the local government, police and other security
agencies in writing beforehand.
“The
agreement was signed on behalf of Muslims by the Imam of Idi Iroko, Alhaji Ibrahim
Idris and two others: Faruq Tiamiyu and Yahya Ajibola. Christians were
represented by Joseph Arogunyo, John Jayeola and Adesina Sunday while Ojo
Alade, Gafar Waidi and Suuru Adeyemi signed on behalf of Oro worshippers.
"The
DPO of Idiroko police station, CSP Opebiyi Sunday signed as a witness while the
DPO of Ipokia was represented by CSP Oluku Sunday. Also, the Department of
State Services (DSS) was represented by B. E. Bassey, while the Federal Road
Safety Corps (FRSC) was represented by DRC Garba Dare.
MURIC lamented the failure of leaders
of Oro cult to abide by the agreement.
“It is highly regrettable that
these people failed to abide by the agreement they signed under the full glare
of security agents. We are grossly disappointed.”
The group called on security
agents to arrest Oro cult leaders and prosecute them.
“We call on the security
agents to do the needful. Oro cult leaders must be arrested, detained and
prosecuted for declaring this curfew. They have usurped the powers of the state
governor and the chairman of the local government who are the only authorities
conferred with the power to impose curfews. Their action
is illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional.
“Besides, the illegal
declaration of curfew on the area is an indubitable contravention of Section 41
of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which says inter
alia, ‘Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout
Nigeria…’
“Security agents have a
duty to uphold the rule of law. The action of Oro cultists is capable of
causing a breech of the peace because they have infringed upon the freedom of movement
of Ipokia citizens. Oro cult leaders must therefore be held accountable. It is
also important to note that this curfew was declared in contempt of court
because there is a subsisting court ruling on this by an Ipokia High Court made
earlier this year.
“As we wind up, we charge the Ogun
State Police Command and the Ogun State chapter of the Department of State
Security Services (DSS) to spring to action. Nigerians will hold security
agents responsible if there is any breakdown of law and order in Ogun State
over the illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional declaration of curfew by Oro
cultists. Security agents must summon the will to nip this threat to peace in
the bud. Oro cultists must no longer be allowed to arrogate executive power to
themselves anywhere in the South West. Enough is enough.
Professor
Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim
Rights Concern (MURIC)
Please share if you love
Nigeria
No comments:
Post a Comment