As part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas has directed all Chief Imams to comply with the state government ban on religious activities in the state.
The Chairman League of Imams and Alfas in the state and Chief Imam of Owo, Alhaji Ahmad Aladesawe, who stated this in a statement issued and signed by him, said this is to curtail the spread of the virus in the state.
According to him, all stakeholders must complement the efforts of the government to curb the spread of the disease saying the current outbreak of the killer virus requires the efforts of all and sundry for the battle to be won.
He called on all Imams to be at the forefront of the crusade, and be ready to partner government in convincing the people on the reality of the virus.
He described disobedience to constituted authorities as a great sin in the sight of Allah as He had clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an that we must obey the constituted authorities regardless of his or her faith.
He said: “The Qur’an had mentioned it since about two thousand years ago, how to handle a Killer disease such as the Coronavirus. There is nothing bad to pray against the spread of any kind of diseases.
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Meanwhile, the traditional ruler Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, has commended the timely intervention of the Ondo State government in stemming the tide of a possible spread of the virus in the state.
The monarch commendation was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Micheal Adeyeye, who urged residents to maintain good personal hygiene.
The monarch said: “Though all the reported cases in Ondo State had tested negative, the efforts of the governor in ensuring a disease-free Ondo State cannot be overemphasised.
The monarch enjoined all residents of Akure community and its environs to comply with the directives of the Federal and State Governments on preventive measures such as the washing of hands, avoiding overcrowded gatherings among other measures.
He said: “In strict adherence to the Government directives, the Palace has also taken temporary measures in the prevention of the possible spread of COVID-19.
“The palace wishes to announce a temporary suspension of all cases before it till further notice. This is to avoid overcrowding and large gathering of people in the Palace.
“The palace has also directed that all Heads of various markets (Iyalojas’) to, as a matter of urgency, provide buckets and liquid soaps for washing of hands in their various markets. Hand sanitisers should also be made available where necessary.
“All Senior and quarters Chiefs should ensure adequate compliance with this directive in all the markets within their jurisdictions.
“The Palace will continue to partner with the government and all relevant stakeholders in ensuring that all hands are on deck to deal with this epidemic.”
Oba Aladelusi advised anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to report to the nearest Government Health Institutions, urging them not to panic but to pray at this critical time, maintain good personal hygiene and observe all the measures being put in place by the Ministry of Health.