Movement of persons have been restricted in Oyo Town as the new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade begins the traditional rites from Friday, March 7, 2025.
The rites, which began on Friday is scheduled to end on Saturday, 29th March, 2025.
According to a statement by theChief of Staff to the new monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, “Throughout the period, curfew shall be imposed as it is customary from 10pm to 4:30am 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, detained till 7am of the following day after his or her arrest,” Osuntola said.
He stated that, “Oro Ipębi which makes the incoming Aláàfin to go into absolute seclusion while it lasts is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yeyé and must be respected by all and sundry.”
LEADERSHIP recalls that the new Alaafin arrived from his base in Canada to Nigeria on Wednesday and headed to Oyo Town on Thursday in preparation for the traditional rites ahead of his coronation scheduled for April 5, 2025 in Oyo.
