The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Ile-Ife Carnival and all Tarmac-related activities in Ile-Ife and its environs, citing concerns over public safety, illicit drug circulation, and the rising influence of cultism in the ancient city.
The directive followed an emergency high-level security meeting held on Thursday at the Ile Oodua Palace. Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, the Obalufe of Ife, His Royal Highness Oba Idowu Adediwura, alongside the Lowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Kola Adeyeye, announced a series of measures aimed at restoring order and safeguarding residents.
The palace leadership declared a total ban on the sale and distribution of hard drugs — including substances such as Colorado — as well as illicit roadside alcoholic sachets and Indian hemp. According to the chiefs, individuals found selling these prohibited substances would be arrested along with the heads of their households, reflecting a firm stance against drug-related offences.
They also cautioned against extortion at building sites and locations where developers operate across Ile-Ife. They warned that such practices would no longer be tolerated and that offenders would face immediate arrest.
The Ooni’s representatives further announced a prohibition on cultism, violent groups, and any conduct deemed capable of threatening peace in the city. They stressed that no chief, community leader, or influential figure would be permitted to obstruct security operations or intervene on behalf of suspects, regardless of status.
In addition, all Tarmac-related activities have been banned, following concerns that the spaces had become vulnerable to misuse by criminal elements. Security agencies were directed to arrest anyone found violating the directive.
In his remarks, the Area Commander of Police in Ife, ACP Sola Ogunwale, commended the Ooni and the palace chiefs for the decisions taken. He assured that the police would enforce all directives without compromise.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Police Officers across Ife, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and palace functionaries, including the Emeses, Looguns, and Ogungbe, underscoring the coordinated approach to the new security measures.
Parents and guardians were urged to advise their children and wards against involvement in criminal or harmful activities as part of broader efforts to promote safety and tranquility in Ile-Ife.