Idiroko religious crisis sparks alarm as leaders urge peace and accuse outsiders of fanning discord over Oro festival practices

Community leaders accused unnamed individuals of inflaming political and religious discord by attacking Oro worshippers during their court-approved night rituals.

Also read: Ijebu Ode Oro Festival Curfew 2025 Announced For Seven Days

The long-running dispute stems from opposition to the annual Oro festival, which has divided Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists in the Ipokia Local Government Area.

In 2017, Justice S. M. Owodunni of the Ogun State High Court ruled that daytime curfews linked to traditional festivals were unconstitutional, restricting Oro rituals to midnight and 4 am.

Yet, controversy resurfaced in July 2025, when the League of Imams and Alfas alleged that Oro adherents imposed a daytime curfew during burial rites for the late Oniko of Ikolaje, Oba John Adekunle.

At a press conference on Thursday, community, ethnic, and religious leaders gathered at the Oniko’s palace, warning against escalating tensions.

Spokesman Taiwo Obanla insisted that Oro worshippers had complied with the court order, accusing what he called “religious extremists” of spreading misinformation.

“These people are not indigenes of this town. How can outsiders come here and try to erase our centuries-old traditions and culture?” he said.

The Balogun of Ikolaje, Daniel Olusola Edun, stressed that Idiroko remained a peaceful land, while Venerable Samuel Olugbade of St Paul’s African Church stated that Oro worshippers had never harmed anyone.

Chief Imam of Ikolaje, Tajudeen Okeojo, echoed calls for harmony, recalling that interfaith dialogue had long prevented conflict.

Representatives of the Hausa and Igbo communities also dismissed claims of harm, affirming that their members had not been negatively affected by the festival.

Also read: Ogun Oro Festival Curfew Slammed as Rights Violation by Muslim Leaders

Despite the reassurances, residents fear that continued agitation could tarnish Idiroko’s reputation and undermine peaceful coexistence. Community voices are now urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and security agencies to intervene before the situation spirals into violence.