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.”
IREPORT247NEW reports that in preparation for his traditional ceremonies, Oba Akeem Owoade, who was recently appointed as the Alaafin of Oyo, has arrived in Nigeria from Canada.
It was around on Wednesday when Owoade arrived at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
Owoade came accompanied by his wife, and Idris Aregbe, who serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, extended a cordial welcome to him.