Coronavirus tears apart community over annual festival in Ogun State
The residents of Ipokia town in Ipokia Local Government area of Ogun State are now at loggerhead over alleged proposed events to mark the ‘Opo Day Anniversary’ in view of the second wave of coronavirus pandemic
Penpushing reports that, investigation showed that the development has divided the community into factions, with a group kicking against the planned ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic, while another group insisted that the ceremony will hold between January 1-3,2020, while a Fuji musician was said to have been contacted to perform.
The Ogun State Government it is recalled had issued out an order suspending all gatherings, to avoid contract of the virus, and this order also stopped crossover night services by the religious bodies in the state,
Penpushing further reports that, some elders in the town alleged to be hell bent in carrying out the carnival ceremony have been sending text messages to various clubs and associations in the community to sensitise them ahead
The findings also showed that, jingles have been produced in assuring residents that the anniversary will hold, inspite of the government order against such activities, which end result may be calamitous
Penpushing reports that, information has it that, those behind the proposed controversial ceremony have equally intimated the clubs and associations in the town to start coming for allocation of stands
‘This is to remind us dat each *Klub, Association, Artisans nd families* are going to have their own stand *(i.e Canopy nd chairs)* nd their own menu-menu. The Canopy to erect by d Committee is for *Kabiyesi* nd our *Special Guests* invited’, a text message reads.
‘‘Secondly, every Klubs, Associations nd Artisans in Ipokia are expected to pay Royal Homage to our *Kabiyesi* on Sunday morning (Jan 3rd) btw *8 nd 9am* before moving to d main venue of Event at *District High School*, Ipokia by 10.30am’, another text message stated.
‘To avoid embarrassment by security personnel, we implore everyone to maintain peace nd orderliness at d venue. No food or drinks for anybody at d venue frm d Committee oo. Pls inform ur Klub members who are nt on dis loop.. Ki ongbo so fun ongbo oo.. Ipokia ntesiwaju’, a texy message also emphasized
Penpushing further reports that, when contacted. Chairman Opo Day Planning Committee, Alhaji Sadiq Bashir, popularly called ‘Saolas’,as at the time of filing this report insisted that the ceremony will take place between January 1-3,2020
The Committee boss listed the programme of events as include: Cultural dance scheduled to hold on the 1st,football match, while football match, musical entertainment and Efe night is scheduled for 2nd and grandfinale will hold on 3rd, with clubs and association paying homage to the traditional ruler, as well installation of some honorary chiefs
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