Osun Takes Drastic Measures To Fight coronavirus, Shuts Down Bars, Club Houses

Compliance team against public gathering set up by the state Government of Osun to protect her citizens from contacting the ravaging Coronavirus disease on Sunday night raided bars and club houses to enforce the ban on public gathering as part of measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus in the state.

The raid, carried out by the task force set up by Governor Gboyega Oyetola to enforce the ban, was a follow up to the order of the state banning all religious and social gatherings under whatever circumstances.

In the task force are, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Usamot; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke; Commissioner for Works, Engineer Remi Omowaiye; Commissioner for Youths, Yemi Lawal; Commissioner for Special Duties, Lekan Badmus; Special Adviser on Public Health, Olasiji Olamiju and Special Adviser on Security, Mrs Ige among others.

Among the bars raided were the popular Abeegi Aanu Bar, Reflex Bar and Lounge, O3 Bar and Lounge, DamJay Palace, and Riverside Bar among others.

It was gathered that in all the places visited, no arrest was made, but the customers were dispatched with a plea that the raid was for the benefitted of all.

Members of the task force were reportedly appealing to customers to pay for the goods they purchased before leaving.

Speaking, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr Oluremi Omowaiye said the state Government’s decision was part of the drastic measures to fight Coronavirus and to ensure it doesn’t spread to the state.

Omowaiye added that keeping residents off the streets and out of bars overnight would free up emergency workers already stretched thin by the public health crisis.

He said though, these measures will result in substantial changes and inconveniences, said, however, these measures are being taken to save lives and protect residents of the state.

Omowaiye noted that the extraordinary moves came just days after officials reported the confirmed cases of coronavirus in the neigboring states like Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke said, the raid was basically meant to enforce the ban on public gathering as announced by the state.

He said: “Everybody should show understanding and see that the efforts of the government is to the benefit of all.

“We are not here to make arrest, but to make sure that the people follow the order of the government to prevent the endemic coronavirus.

“All local governments have been ordered to follow suit and ensure the enforcement of the ban in their various councils.

“We urge the people to take all precautionary measure as being circulated so that coronavirus will not have its way in Osun”, Adeleke stressed.