The Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Akeem Owoade has declared a 22-day curfew in Oyo town ahead of his coronation, REPUBLICAN NIGERIA reports.
The curfew will begin from 10pm to 4:30am for the next 22 days while movements will be restricted during the period.
The curfew comes as Owoade, on Friday, began traditional rites leading to his coronation on April 5.
After spending about seven weeks in Canada, Owoade arrived in Oyo, on Thursday, to begin preparation for his coronation rites.
The Alaafin-designate started the process on Friday night by performing certain enthronement rites at the Baba Iyaji residence, where he would sleep.
He then moved to Ona Isokun, Ilemole and Bara before proceeding to the Koso chamber accompanied by his chiefs and priests.
According to a statement by Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, movements will be restricted during the period of the curfew, adding that anyone who contravened the order would be arrested and detained till 7am of the following day.
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 from 8pm to 6am daily 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.
