Everyone is expected to remain indoors in Oyo town from 8pm to 6am between Mar 7 and 29 as the traditional seclusion called Oro Opebi, which is part of the ascension rites of the new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Owoade, will hold.
A statement by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, confirmed this on Friday.
Osuntola said the traditional rites would end on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The statement read, “The Aláàfin of Oyo Kingdom hereby announces the commencement of ÒRÒ ÌPĘBÍ, 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 till 7 am of the following day after his or her arrest.
‘It is pertinent to state that ORO IPĘBI 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.”
The coronation ceremony will hold on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Oyo town.
