Ikeja metropolis has been enveloped in confusion and fear since the death of the Olu of Ikeja, Rauf Amore, on the night of Tuesday, July 1 at the age of 61.
Market people and night crawlers are barred from moving freely.
Rauf Amore
The market people, including shop owners at the famous Ikeja Computer Village, who resumed business on Wednesday, July 3, were shocked to realise that they could not sell.
The council of chiefs had ordered that markets in Ikeja should not be opened.
“It is the tradition when an oba of the olu’s status dies, markets have to close for seven days,” said an Ikeja resident, who did not want to be named.
He added that three oro (ritual) processions would be held in honour of Amore in the seven-day period.
On the night of July 3, oro procession surprised night strollers and workers who had no idea that such a culture still obtains in a capital city like Ikeja. The procession took place in the Opodo area where the oba’s palace is located.
The participants, all decked in white attire, inspired dread because the procession is associated with human sacrifice. The safety of those who venture out during oro is not guaranteed.
Some argue that this is an infringement on the right of residents, others insist that the tradition should be kept to give a dead monarch a “befitting” burial.
Market people in Ikeja feel the pinch, particularly those who depend on daily sales for a living.
One of them, who gave only his first name as Ikechukwu, said it does not make sense to him since he is having trouble making sales.
He and his fellow traders resume daily and loiter around their locked shops while looking out for potential customers. When a customer shows up, they open their shops and make a sale.
There are text messages warning people to stay clear of Ikeja, particularly at night, so that they will not become victims of ritual sacrifice. The warning also goes round on social media.
The unofficial time for leaving Ikeja is said to be 7pm for the seven days.
In some outskirts of Lagos a curfew accompanies oro procession. In places like Ikorodu and Badagry, residents are warned beforehand to stay away from the procession.
Some organisers print out a timetable for the benefit of the residents.
Oro procession is particularly dangerous for females. They are forced to stay indoors for the entire period of the ritual, which sometimes lasts a week.
Tricycle taxi operators in Ikeja now close early or take a different route to get to Ikeja Underbridge bus stop from Toyin Street.
Aside oro, masquerade processions have been held during the day.
Amore’s aides declined to speak on his funeral arrangements.
