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

The Chief of Staff to the Kabiyesi, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola, confirmed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday.

According to the statement, the traditional rites will begin on Friday, 7th March, and conclude on Saturday, 29th March 2025.

The statement reads:

“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 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.”

The statement further emphasised the importance of the rites:

“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.”

Following the completion of the traditional rites, the coronation ceremony for Oba Owoade is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, in Oyo town.