Prominent Nigerian Traditional Ruler Shuts Down Palace Over Coronavirus Pandemic

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has on Thursday implored Nigerians to stay at home as they obey all principles laid down by Federal and State Governments in a bid to curb spread of the global Coronavirus pandemic.

Ooni Ogunwusi gave the advice on Thursday at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile Ife while addressing newsmen, stressing that the earlier the citizens believe in the abilities of the government to secure them during this challenging period the better for the entire country.

“The only easiest solution to it is for everyone to stay at home, Covid-19 is not a respecter of anybody and it does not honour anybody. This is the first time in a very long while that the whole world is having a common problem, we must tackle it together.

“We must look beyond the current negativities attached and look at the lessons embedded in this challenging period of our lives. Coronavirus teaches high personal hygiene, let us be clean and embrace regular handwashing with clean water and soap.

“It also teaches that Nigeria as a member of the global community should invest in something bigger and also respect nature because we need it to survive, nature does not need us.

“While staying at home, let us maintain a high level of decency and avoid rumour peddling because panic kills faster than the virus itself. We now have several fake news flying across, let us act responsibly by not instilling fear in one another and it shall be well with us.” The Ooni stated.

Earlier in a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, the Ooni who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers has shot down social and cutal activities at the palace with strict restrictions of movement in and out of the palace, saying only visitors with essential mission will be allowed.

The Ooni according to Olafare also advised everyone especially those in the local communities to engage in frequent hand washing exercise with clean water and soap as well as covering of one’s mouth during cough and sneeze.

“Like we’ve been implored to restrict our movements only to core places in order to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Let us abide by these simple rules and principles for our own good, the government and its officials are not trying to usurp our freedom to move around as enshrined in the constitution but only working so hard to protect us. It is on this note and in the interest of all that His Majesty, the Ooni has directed all daily cultural and social activities at the palace be indefinitely shut down. Only those with essential services will be allowed into the Ooni’s palace they must observe the necessary precaution measures already provided at the entrance gate and within.”

“It is equally important to call on our people who have just returned from any of the coronavirus infected countries to observe the self-isolation as recommended by experts and also visit the nearest accredited health facilities nationwide for prompt medical assistance in case of any suspicion or challenges.

“As it stands, Coronavirus has no publicly announced cure worldwide but we can help ourselves and others to prevent it by observing the measures mentioned above. By the grace of the Almighty Olodumare, it is well with Nigeria, it is well with the whole world.” Comrade Olafare said.