The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engr. AbdulAkeem Owoade, has commenced the 21-day traditional rites, otherwise known as “Oro Opebi,” on Friday night (today).
The Chief of Staff to the Kabiyesi, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola, made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday.
According to the statement, the traditional rites begin on Friday, 7th March and will end on Saturday, 29th March 2025.
The statement reads:
“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, 7th March to Saturday, 29th March 2025. Throughout the period, a curfew shall be imposed, as it is customary, from 8 PM to 6 AM daily throughout Oyo township.
“This means movements are not allowed during the curfew, and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained until 7 AM the following day.”
The statement further emphasized the importance of the rites:
“It is pertinent to state that ORO IPĘBI, which requires 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.”
Coronation Date
Following the completion of the traditional rites, the coronation ceremony for Oba Owoade is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 5th April 2025, in Oyo town.