Traditional rites begin for Alaafin of Oyo

The Office of the Chief of Staff to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engr. Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I, has officially announced the commencement of Ọ̀rọ̀ Ìpẹ̀bí, the traditional rites preceding the ascension of the new Alaafin of Oyo to the revered throne.

According to the statement, the rites will take place from Friday, March 7, to Saturday, March 29, 2025. During this period, a curfew will be strictly enforced throughout Oyo township from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Residents have been warned that movement during curfew hours is prohibited, and violators will be arrested and detained until 7 a.m. the following day.

Ọ̀rọ̀ Ìpẹ̀bí is a deeply sacred Yoruba tradition that requires the incoming Alaafin to undergo absolute seclusion as part of the ascension process. The statement emphasized that the rites are sacrosanct to the ascension of Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all.

Residents of Oyo and visitors to the town have been urged to comply with the directives and respect the customs of the land.