Sunday, July 19, 2026

Cult Clash: Gov Aiyedatiwa lifts curfew on Ondo community

In January, Mr Aiyedatiwa declared a dawn-to-dusk curfew on the town after more than five people were killed in a cult war.

• February 21, 2025
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa [Credit: Channels Television]

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has lifted the curfew imposed on Owo Local Government Area following a violent cult clash.

In January, Mr Aiyedatiwa declared a dawn-to-dusk curfew on the town after more than five people were killed in a cult war.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fisayo Oladipo, was among those killed during the violent clash.

The police had declared the perpetrators of the attack wanted after an uprising by local residents.

However, on Friday, Mr Aiyedatiwa explained that the decision to lift the curfew was due to an improvement in the security situation and the peaceful conduct of residents.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor said residents of the community can now resume their civic duties.

“With this development, residents of Owo can resume their daily civic activities and movement without any hindrance.

“The governor thanked security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all other stakeholders who rose to the challenge of restoring peace and order to the community,” Mr Aiyedatiwa added.

The police command has arrested 25 suspects from its wanted list in connection with the recent clashes in the town.

Wilfred Afolabi, the commissioner of police in the state, said the arrests were made during a successful tactical operation carried out by the command.

According to Mr Afolabi, some of the arrested suspects have been identified as having direct involvement in the criminal activities that left five people dead in the ancient town of Owo.

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