The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, will tonight begin the 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi, a sacred ritual marking his transition to the throne.
In a statement on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, confirmed that the rites would run from March 7 to March 29, 2025.
“The Alaafin 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 Alaafin,” Osuntola stated.
As part of the tradition, a curfew will be in effect across Oyo town from 8 PM to 6 AM daily.
“Movements are strictly prohibited during this period. Anyone found violating the curfew will be arrested and detained until 7 AM the following morning,” he warned.
The Oro Ipebi ritual, which requires the new Alaafin to undergo total seclusion, remains a non-negotiable tradition for any incoming ruler, he added.
Following the completion of the rites, Oba Owoade will be officially crowned on April 5, 2025, in Oyo town.
