The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has officially begun the sacred 21-day traditional rites required before fully ascending the throne.
The commencement of these rites was announced on Friday by the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola, in a statement issued to journalists in Ibadan.
According to the statement, the traditional process known as ‘ORO IPEBI’ began on March 7, 2025, and will conclude on March 29, 2025. It emphasized the importance of this ritual, describing it as an essential tradition that every incoming Alaafin must undergo before assuming full kingship.
As part of the proceedings, a curfew has been imposed across Oyo township from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily throughout the ritual period. Residents have been advised to remain indoors during these hours, as violators will be detained until 7 a.m. the following morning.
The statement further highlighted the sacred nature of the rites, explaining that the incoming Alaafin must observe a period of complete seclusion, a practice deeply rooted in Yoruba royal traditions.
Following the successful completion of the rites, the official coronation ceremony for Oba Owoade is scheduled to take place on April 5, 2025, in Oyo town.
