The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba AbdulAkeem Owoade, has commenced the 21 days traditional rites otherwise known as “Oro Opebi”. The Chief of Staff to the monarch, Mr. Rotimi Osuntola, in a statement, disclosed that traditional rites, which started on Friday, will end on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The statement read: “The Aláàfin of Oyo Kingdom hereby announces the commencement of Òro ipebi, 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, curfew shall be imposed as it is customary from 8p.m to 6a.m daily throughout Oyo township.

“This means movements are not allowed during the period of the curfew and anyone who contravene this order shall be arrested, detained till 7a.m of the following day after his or her arrest.

‘It is pertinent to state that Oro Ipebi, which makes the incoming Aláàfin to go into absolute seclusion, is sacrosanct and must be respected by all and sundry.” The coronation ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Oyo town.