Palpable fear enveloped the ancient city of Ile-Ife yesterday following the stay-at-home order imposed on residents of the community today in continuation of the burial rites of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
The Awara of Iwara, Oba Layi Adereti, who is also the head of Oro cult in Ife, had asked residents irrespective of gender to stay indoors between 9am and 4pm today to enable the Oro deity to perform the required rites for the departed monarch.
But High Chief Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, debunked the stay-indoors order in a radio announcement, calling on residents to go about their normal businesses.
He warned newsmen against reporting any story that does not emanate from the palace, saying whosoever does so will face the wrath of Ifeland.
However, a visit to the town revealed that residents were apprehensive of the consequences of the stay-at-home order as many of them rushed to the market to buy essentials that would equip them fully for the challenge of today.
A parent of a 200 Level Philosophy student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Mr. Kunle Adetunji, drove into the campus from Lagos to pick his son whom he said did not believe in such tradition.
According to him, his son who is too inquisitive may not only want to see the Oro deity in action but may also challenge the rationale behind such action.
A school headmaster who spoke on condition of anonymity said although no circular to the effect that pupils should not come to school today has been issued, it is obvious that pupils will not turn up for classes today.
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