Coronavirus: Ooni Shuts Palace
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II has Thursday banned socio-cultural activities at his Ile-Oodua palace.
This is as the monarch implored Nigerians to stay at home and obey all principles laid down by Federal and State Governments in a bid to curb the spread of the global Coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement issued by Palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, Oba Adeyeye said movement in the palace should be restricted immediately except visitors with an essential mission.
He also advised residents, especially those in local communities to engage in frequent hand washing exercise with clean water and soap as well as the use of nose mask while coughing and sneezing.
“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 and they must observe the necessary precautionary 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 procedure 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”, the statement reads.
