The Alaafin, Oba Akeem Owoade, has officially announced his preferred title ahead of his ascension to the throne.
In a statement issued from the palace on Tuesday, it was revealed that the new Alaafin wishes to be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.
The statement stressed the correct manner of addressing the monarch, stating: “This is to inform the general public that the proper manner of addressing the Alaafin for all activities and in the media is EXACTLY as follows: His Imperial Majesty Iku Baba Yeye Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.”
It further clarified that the numeral “I” after “Owoade” is a Roman numeral and should not be mistaken for the English number one.
“The public is enjoined to adhere strictly to use the wordings as exactly as stated above and without adding prefix or suffix to any of the names as stated above,” the statement added.
This announcement comes as the Alaafin-elect undergoes the 21-day traditional rites, known as “Oro Ipebi”, a mandatory ritual before his ascension to the throne.
The Chief of Staff to the monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, confirmed the commencement of the rites in a statement issued in Ibadan on March 7.
Osuntola stated that the traditional rites, which began on Friday, March 7, 2025, will conclude on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
“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, March 7, to Saturday, March 29, 2025. Throughout the period, a curfew shall be imposed as it is customary from 8 pm to 6 am daily throughout the Oyo township.
“This means movements are not allowed during the period of the curfew, and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained till 7 am of the following day after his or her arrest.”
The palace further stressed the significance of the Oro Ipebi rites, noting that the period of seclusion for the Alaafin-elect is sacred and must be respected.
“It is pertinent to state that ORO IPĘBI, which makes the incoming Aláàfin go into absolute seclusion while it lasts, is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all and sundry.”
The conclusion of the rites will mark the final stage before Prince Akeem Owoade formally assumes his role as the Alaafin of Oyo.
