Nigeria: Muslims in Oyo Township Barred from Tarāwīh, Fajr as Aláàfin Ìpẹ̀bí Rites Enforce Night Curfew
A mandatory night curfew imposed for the ÒRÒ ÌPĘBÍ rites of the newly appointed Aláàfin of Oyo, Oba Engr. Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I, has effectively prevented Muslims in Oyo township from attending Tarāwīh and Fajr prayers during the sacred month of Ramadan.
According to a statement from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the Aláàfin, the rites, which are an essential part of the traditional ascension process, will run from Friday, March 7, to Saturday, March 29, 2025.
During this period, a strict curfew from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily has been imposed across Oyo township, with a warning that anyone found outside during the curfew will be arrested and detained until 7:00 AM the next day.
This restriction means that Muslims observing Ramadan will be unable to attend Tarāwīh prayers, which are performed at night, or the Fajr prayer, which falls within the restricted hours.
The enforcement of the curfew during Ramadan has sparked concerns among Muslim residents, as these prayers hold great spiritual significance.
The statement emphasized that the ÒRÒ ÌPĘBÍ rites are sacrosanct and must be observed in absolute seclusion for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé, urging all residents to comply. However, this has raised debates over the impact of cultural traditions on religious obligations, especially during a critical period for Islamic worshippers.
With the curfew set to continue until March 29, the situation remains a significant concern for the Muslim community in Oyo, leaving many to find alternative ways to observe their religious duties within the imposed restrictions.
