March 07, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
A curfew has been imposed in Oyo town, Nigeria, as the ORO-IPÈBi rites commence for the incoming Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engr. Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I.
The rites, which started on March 7, 2025, and will last until March 29, 2025, require the incoming Alaafin to go into absolute seclusion.
According to a statement by Rotimi Osuntola, MBA, Chief of Staff to His Imperial Majesty, the curfew will be enforced from 8pm to 6am daily throughout Oyo township.
Movement during this period is prohibited, and anyone who contravenes this order will be arrested and detained until 7am the following day.
The ORO-IPÈBi rites are a sacrosanct tradition that is crucial to the ascension of the Alaafin to the throne.
The authorities are appealing to the people of Oyo town to cooperate with them during this period.
