COVID-19: Ooni Shuts Palace

Williams Babalola

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has closed down his palace due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease in the country.

The closure was announced by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, on Thursday, saying only visitors with very important mission would be allowed in the palace.

He 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 urged people to engage in all personal hygiene and respiratory hygiene as well as restrict movements to prevent the spread of the virus.

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.”