The curfew needed to be reassessed in order to take into account the ongoing month of Ramadan,
It has been decided that the curfew for Oba AbdulAkeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, would begin at 10 o’clock at night and conclude at 4.30 in the morning.
This is in order for him to carry out the necessary traditional procedures that will precede his coronation on April 5.
In an earlier statement, Rotimi Osuntola, who is the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, said that a curfew will be implemented beginning on Friday and Saturday, March 29, 2025, from eight o’clock at night until six o’clock in the morning.
According to Punch, Osuntola said that the curfew needed to be reassessed in order to take into account the ongoing month of Ramadan, during which Muslims are required to begin fasting with the Fajr prayer in the early morning and the Taraweeh prayer in the evening. This occurred several hours after the first proclamation.
IREPORT247NEW reports that Oba AbdulAkeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, officially started the 21-day traditional ceremonies called as “Oro Opebi” last night. These rites continue until tonight.
In a statement that was distributed to media in Ibadan, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola, who is the Chief of Staff to the Kabiyesi, made this specific announcement.
The rituals, which started on March 7, 2025, will be finished on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Every day from 8pm at night to 6am in the morning, the Oyo township will be subject to a curfew throughout this time period.
Any anyone who is discovered to be in violation of this curfew will be subject to arrest and custody until seven o’clock the following morning. Movement will be restricted accordingly.
It reads, “The office of the Chief of Staff to His Imperial Majesty, Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I, The Aláàfin of Oyo kingdom hereby announces the commencement of Oro Ipebi, the mandatory rites for His Imperial Majesty before his ascension to the revered throne of The Aláàfin.
“The rites commence from Friday, 7th March to Saturday, 29th March 2025.
“This means movements are not allowed during the period of the curfew and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained till 7am of the following day after his or her arrest.
“It is pertinent to state that Oro Ipebi which makes the incoming Aláàfin to go into absolute seclusion while it lasts is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all and sundry.”