Curfew for the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Akeem Owoade, to perform the statutory traditional rites leading up to his April 5 coronation has been reviewed to start by 10pm and end at 4.30am.
Earlier the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, had in a statement announced an 8pm to 6am curfew starting from Friday to Saturday, March 29, 2025.
However, hours after the initial announcement, Osuntola, in a conversation with newsmen, explained that the curfew had to be reviewed to factor in the ongoing Ramadan where Muslims have to begin fasting with the early morning Fajr prayer as well as evening Taraweeh prayer.
Owoade had arrived in Oyo town, on Thursday, preparatory to commencing the coronation rites.
The Alaafin-designate is billed to start coronation rites on Friday night by performing certain enthronement rituals at the Baba Iyaji residence, where he will sleep over, then move to Ona Isokun, Ilemole, Bara before he proceeds to the Koso chamber accompanied by his chiefs and priests.
As contained in a statement by Osuntola, movements are restricted during the period of the curfew and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained till 7am of the following day after his or her arrest.
The statement read, “The office of the Chief of Staff to His Imperial Majesty, Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I, The Aláàfin of Oyo kingdom hereby announces the commencement of
Oro Ipebi, the mandatory rites for His Imperial Majesty before his ascension to the revered throne of The Aláàfin.
“The rites commence from Friday, 7th March to Saturday, 29th March 2025.
Throughout the period, curfew shall be imposed as it is customary throughout 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 7am 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 while it lasts is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all and sundry,” the statement read.
After the movements and performance of rites at various houses, Owoade then enters Ipebi for traditional rites and is installed as the new king after the completion of all the traditional rites.
The Ipebi (seclusion) ritual involves several individuals and groups playing key roles in guaranteeing the spiritual well-being and authority of the Alaafin.
Among them is the Oluawo (Ifa priest) who serves as the spiritual guide and advisor to the Alaafin through the Ipebi ritual.
The Oyo Mesi, priests and priestesses also play roles in offering prayers, performing sacrifices and providing spiritual support.
In the Koso chamber, the Alaafin-elect will be crowned with his royal headdress, symbolising his renewed spiritual authority.
He also would perform additional rituals and make offerings to the Orisas and his ancestors solidifying his connection with the divine.
The PUNCH
