By Victor Akinkuolie

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Following the demise of Oba Samuel Akinmusire, the Oludoko of Udoko community in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State, traditional worshipers in the community declared an 8-hour curfew in some parts of the community over the weekend.

The curfew, which began at about 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, lasted until 4:00 p.m. on the same day. During the curfew, women of all ages were banned from public view, while men who are not indigenes of the community were also prohibited from appearing in public in certain areas of the town.

Traditional worshipers, dressed in white attire, held a procession from the palace of the late monarch and visited some traditional spots in the community, including Oke-Lisa, Oke-Doko, and Lisaluwa. The procession ended at the Oyenren River, where prayers were offered for the wellbeing of the community.

Speaking with The Hope shortly after the procession, the Chief Priest, Mr. Oyebade Olatuja, said the curfew was part of the formal announcement of the monarch’s passing and was necessary for performing traditional rites for the late monarch, who reigned for 39 years.

The priest noted that although the monarch had already been buried in accordance with the customs and traditions of the ancient community, the curfew was observed to carry out the final rites and to pray for the peace and prosperity of the community, its indigenes, and residents.

Recall that Oba Akinmusire died in his palace shortly after a brief illness. He ascended the throne in February 1986, succeeding Oba Ayoade Akinmusire, who reigned from 1950 to 1979.

As the Oludoko of Udoko, Oba Adeyemi Akinmusire served as the traditional leader of the Udoko people in Ondo town and played a significant role in the cultural and social affairs of the area.

Oba Akinmusire was a knight in the Anglican Communion, a Justice of the Peace (JP), and an ardent member of Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church, Oke-Aluko, Ondo. He belonged to several organizations and received numerous awards, including the National Productivity Merit Award, Ondo Town Merit Award, and the University of Lagos Distinguished Alumnus Award, among others.