Culture

Ogun Oro Festival Curfew Slammed as Rights Violation by Muslim Leaders

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2025

Ogun Oro Festival Curfew draws backlash as Muslim leaders petition Gov. Abiodun, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of citizens’ rights in Ipokia

Ogun Oro Festival Curfew has sparked intense backlash as the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State has petitioned Governor Dapo Abiodun, urging him to halt what they describe as an unconstitutional restriction of residents’ freedoms in Ikolaje and Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area.

Also read: Orosun Festival boosts Ondo tourism hopes

The controversy stems from traditional rites being conducted in honor of the late Oniko of Ikoland, Oba John Olakunle.

The rituals, which began on July 21 and are scheduled to run until August 19, 2025, are reportedly forcing residents to remain indoors during the day and close their shops—actions the Muslim leaders call a gross violation of their rights.

In their formal petition, signed by Secretary-General Imam Tajudeen Mustapha Adewunmi, the League strongly condemned the Ogun Oro Festival Curfew, citing legal precedents including a 2017 High Court ruling which barred any group from imposing movement restrictions for traditional rites.

“We unequivocally condemn any attempt to forcefully compromise the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens,” the petition read.

The leaders also cited stakeholder agreements from 2019 and 2020, which collectively restricted Oro rituals to midnight–4 a.m. and prohibited interference with daily life.

The petition was copied to the Commissioner of Police, the DSS, and other key officials, demanding immediate action to stop what they called harassment and intimidation.

The League stressed that while it respects traditional religious practices, such rites must not override constitutional rights to freedom of movement, dignity, and lawful business operations.

Calling on Governor Abiodun to uphold the law and protect public peace, the Muslim leaders warned that continued violations must result in accountability for those responsible.

Also read: Protest: Oro festival, like other religious activities, Lagos not involved, says govt

This powerful appeal highlights ongoing tensions between cultural tradition and constitutional governance in Ogun State.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”