Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade
Rotimi Osuntola, Chief of Staff to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has announced the commencement of *Oro Ipebi*, a mandatory traditional rite preceding the monarch’s formal ascension to the throne.
In a statement obtained by *NEWS BULLETIN* on Saturday morning, Osuntola confirmed that the *Oro Ipebi* ritual began on Friday, March 7, and will continue until Saturday, March 29, 2025. As part of the process, a daily curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. has been imposed across Oyo township.
“Movement is strictly prohibited during curfew hours,” the statement read. “Anyone caught violating this directive will be arrested and detained until 7:00 a.m. the following day.”
Osuntola emphasized the significance of *Oro Ipebi*, noting that it requires the incoming Alaafin to enter a period of absolute seclusion. “This tradition is sacred to the ascension of *Ikú Bàbá Yèyé* and must be respected by all,” he stated.
