– Suspends Carnival, Tarmac Activities
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has announced an indefinite suspension of the annual Carnival and all Tarmac-related activities in Ile-Ife and its environs.
The monarch also parents and guardians to caution their children against involvement in criminal behavior and harmful activities.
The decision was made during an emergency meeting held at the Ile Oodua Palace on Thursday. Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, the Obalufe of Ife, His Highness Idowu Adediwura, and the Lowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Kola Adeyeye, declared a series of new measures aimed at safeguarding peace and security in the ancient city.
The palace leadership announced a total ban on the sale of hard drugs—including substances such as Colorado—as well as the sale of illicit roadside alcohol in sachets and Indian hemp. They insisted that anyone caught selling these substances, along with the heads of their households, would be arrested. The chiefs also condemned the activities of individuals extorting money from building sites and developers, warning that such thuggery would no longer be tolerated.
In addition, the Ooni’s representatives declared a strict prohibition on cultism and any activities capable of endangering lives or disrupting tranquility in Ile-Ife. They emphasized that no chief or influential individual would be allowed to interfere with the arrest or prosecution of offenders, regardless of their social status.
The use of the Tarmac by thugs has also been banned, with security agencies directed to arrest violators immediately.
In his remarks, the Area Commander of Police in Ife, ACP Sola Ogunwale, commended the palace for the firm decisions taken, assuring that the police would enforce all directives without compromise.
Present at the meeting were the Divisional Police Officers in Ife, officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), palace functionaries including the Emeses, Looguns, and Ogungbe.