The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has officially commenced the 21-day traditional rites known as ‘Oro Ipebi’, a mandatory ritual preceding his ascension to the throne.
Confirming the development, the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday, disclosed that the rites will run from Friday, March 7, 2025, to Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The statement reads: “The Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom hereby announces the commencement of ÒRÒ ÌPẸBÍ, the essential rites for His Imperial Majesty before his coronation. The sacred process requires the new monarch to undergo absolute seclusion, as dictated by tradition.”
As part of the customary observance, a night curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. has been imposed across Oyo township throughout the duration of the rites. The statement warns that “movement will be restricted during the curfew period, and anyone found violating this directive will be arrested and detained until 7:00 a.m. the following day.”
The Oro Ipebi is a crucial tradition in Oyo’s monarchical system, signifying the new Alaafin’s transition into his sacred duties as the custodian of the Oyo heritage.
“This rite is sacrosanct and must be respected by all. It is a time-honored tradition that every ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé must undergo,” the statement added.
Following the successful completion of the rites, the coronation ceremony for Oba Owoade is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Oyo town.
