NEWS
CAN Opposes Traditional Worshipers’ Five-Hour Curfew In Osun
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has deemed the five-hour curfew imposed by followers of the Obatala deity, scheduled from 2pm to 7pm on Wednesday, as unlawful.
The curfew was reportedly enforced to facilitate the Oro procession’s unhindered movement through specific areas in Ile-Ife.
In a statement titled “Special announcement from the house of Obatala to all Muslims and dwellers in Ile-Ife” and endorsed by Oba Isoro O. Dada, the Obalesu Obatala Agbaiye, residents of the designated areas where the Oro procession is set to pass through are urged to observe the curfew and remain indoors for the betterment of Ile-Ife.
The statement partly reads “This is a special announcement for all residents of Ile-Ife. The Oro Owa-Ilare festival is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, the 27th of 2024.”
“The Oro will begin exactly at 2pm and will end at 7pm, We hereby announce that every dweller of Ile-Ife to stay indoors around these following areas: Igbotapa, Ajamopo, Gbodo, Ita Olopo, Oja-Ife, Ita Oranfe, Enuwa Square, Ooni Ilare, Sabo Road 7 and Olumogbe Street.
“It will be very good if every dweller in these areas listed above adheres to this instruction for the benefit of Ile-Ife.” it added
In the past, Muslims and adherents of Oro in Ile-Ife have experienced strained relations, often resulting in violence.
On Thursday, March 30, 2023, an Imam named Abdullateef Adediran and five worshippers were injured during clashes with Oro adherents while gathering for 4 pm prayers at Ilare Mosque in Ile-Ife.
Responding to the recent curfew declared by Obatala adherents, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ile-Ife, Rev Canon Sam Onitiju, stated, “As the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ile-Ife, we have taken note of a press release by Obalesu Dada on behalf of Obatala traditional worshippers regarding the illegal movement restrictions and stay-at-home order for people in certain areas in Ile-Ife on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, between 2pm and 7pm.”
“We want to bring to the notice of Christians and dwellers in Ile-ife what transpired at a peace meeting His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, had with religion leaders and Osun State Commissioner of Police on May 15, 2023 held in his palace.
“The Muslims led by Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdul Semiy Abdul Hammed, the Christians led by CAN Chairman Rev, Canon Dr Sam Leye Onitiju and traditionalists, led by Obalesu Dada himself, Kabiyesi emphasised on the need for religion tolerance and also warned 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 across Ifeland without fear of molestation and attack from any individual and/or group of people.”
He urged the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to ensure the preservation of peace in the town, emphasizing that individuals should not be subjected to harassment under the guise of religious practices by traditionalists.
NEWS
FCT Police Warn Motorists Against One-Way Driving, Reject Calls From VIPs
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned motorists against driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way, cautioning that influential connections or calls from senior police officers and government officials will not shield offenders from prosecution.
The Command said the practice, particularly around road construction sites, diversion points and restricted routes, poses serious risks to lives and property.
SEE ALSO: Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador
In a press statement issued on Monday, November 9, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Command was concerned about the increasing disregard for traffic regulations by motorists who deliberately drive against traffic, ignore road signs and bypass designated diversions to avoid congestion.
Adeh stressed that no individual, regardless of status, position or connections, would be exempted from the consequences of violating traffic regulations.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, had directed the Command’s Motor Traffic Department (MOTOPOL) and all Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs) to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement operations.
According to the statement, the directive includes the arrest and immediate prosecution of motorists caught driving against traffic or disobeying lawful traffic instructions.
The Commissioner also warned police officers involved in the enforcement exercise against exploiting the operation to extort motorists, stressing that any officer found engaging in such misconduct would face disciplinary action in line with existing police rules and regulations.
The Command urged motorists to exercise patience, obey traffic signs and follow instructions from authorised traffic officers, noting that saving a few minutes through reckless driving was not worth the risk of losing lives or damaging property.
It also called on residents to remain security-conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
The Command provided the following emergency contact numbers for security-related reports: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
NEWS
FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.
The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.
SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents
The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.
During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.
He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.
The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.
He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.
Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.
NEWS
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”





