Ooni Of Ife Shuts Palace Over Coronavirus, Suspends Traditional Activities

Ooni, in a statement yesterday by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, said: “The palace is shut and all social and cultural activities have been suspended, only visitors with essential mission will be allowed in.

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

The Ooni advised people to engage in frequent hand washing and to cover their mouth while coughing and sneezing.

He added: “We must look beyond the negativities and look at the lessons embedded in this challenging time. Coronavirus teaches high personal hygiene; let us be clean and embrace regular handwashing with clean water and soap.

“I implore Nigerians to restrict their movements only to core places to prevent spread of the deadly virus. Let us abide by these simple rules and principles for our good. The government and its officials are not trying to usurp our freedom, but working hard to protect us.”