A curfew has been announced in Oyo town by the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Akeem Owoade, from 10pm to 4:30am for the next 22 days in preparation for his coronation on April 5.
After returning from Canada, Owoade began traditional rites on Friday, starting with enthronement rituals at the Baba Iyaji residence before moving to Ona Isokun, Ilemole, Bara, and the Koso chamber with his chiefs and priests.
According to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, movement is restricted during the curfew, with violators facing arrest and detention until the following morning.
The Oro Ipebi rites, essential before Owoade’s coronation, are scheduled from March 7 to March 29, 2025, with a daily curfew from 8pm to 6am in Oyo township. Disobeying the curfew will result in arrest and detention until 7am the next day.
The statement emphasized the importance of respecting the Oro Ipebi tradition, which requires the incoming Aláàfin to observe absolute seclusion, as it is crucial for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé.