The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, began a 21-day traditional rites popularly known as “Oro Opebi” on Friday.
This was confirmed in a statement on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Osuntola stated that the traditional rites would end on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The statement read, “The Aláàfin of Oyo Kingdom hereby announces the commencement of Òro Ìpebi, the mandatory rites for His Imperial Majesty before his ascension to the revered throne of The Aláàfin.
“The rites commence from Friday, March 7, to Saturday, March 29, 2025. Throughout the period, a curfew shall be imposed as it is customary from 8 pm to 6 am daily throughout the Oyo township.
“This means movements are not allowed during the period of the curfew, and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained until 7 am of the following day after his or her arrest.
“It is pertinent to state that Oro Ipebi, which makes the incoming Aláàfin go into absolute seclusion while it lasts, is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all and sundry.”
