Abimbola Owoade begins 21-day traditional rites to ascend Alaafin of Oyo throne

Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo, will tonight commence the 21-day traditional rites, known as “Oro Ipebi,” on Friday night.

Oro Ipebi is a mandatory tradition for the Alaafin, symbolising a deep connection to the past rulers and the divine responsibilities of the throne.

In a statement issued on Friday, Rotimi Osuntola, the chief of staff (CoS) to the new king, said the traditional rites will begin on March 7 and end on March 29.

Osuntola said movements would be restricted in the ancient town of Oyo from 8 pm to 6 am as the monarch observes the rites.

“The Aláàfin of Oyo Kingdom hereby announces the commencement of ÒRÒ ÌPẸBÍ, the mandatory rites for His Imperial Majesty before his ascension to the revered throne of the Aláàfin,” the statement reads.

“The rites will commence from Friday, 7th March, to Saturday, 29th March 2025. Throughout this period, a curfew shall be imposed, as is customary, from 8 PM to 6 AM daily across Oyo township.

“This means movement will not be permitted during the curfew, and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained until 7 AM the following day.

“It is pertinent to state that ORO ÌPẸBÍ, which requires the incoming Aláàfin to go into absolute seclusion for its duration, is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all and sundry.”

The coronation ceremony for Owoade is scheduled to take place on April 5 in Oyo town after the traditional rites.