The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Thursday, announced restriction of movements into Ile Oodua, his palace in Ile Ife, as parts of measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The monarch urged people to stay at home, as the disease was no respecter of anybody and honours no one.

Moses Olafare, the Director of Media of Ooni’s palace, in a statement, also announced the shut down of social and cultural activities at the palace, saying only visitors with essential missions would be allowed in.

The statement also advised Nigerians, especially the rural dwellers to engage in regular hand washing with clean water and soap and always cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze.

“Like we’ve been implored to restrict our movements only to core places in order to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Let us abide by these simple rules and principles for our own good, the government and its officials are not trying to usurp our freedom to move around as enshrined in the constitution but only working so hard to protect us.

“It is on this note and in the interest of all that His Majesty, the Ooni has directed all daily cultural and social activities at the palace be indefinitely shut down. Only those with essential services will be allowed into the Ooni’s palace they must observe the necessary precaution measures already provided at the entrance gate and within.”

“It is equally important to call on our people who have just returned from any of the coronavirus infected countries to observe the self-isolation as recommended by experts and also visit the nearest accredited health facilities nationwide for prompt medical assistance in case of any suspicion or challenges.

“As it stands, Coronavirus has no publicly announced cure worldwide but we can help ourselves and others to prevent it by observing the measures mentioned above. By the grace of the Almighty Olodumare, it is well with Nigeria, it is well with the whole world,” Olafare said.