The Office of the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin of Oyo has announced a daily curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., effective March 7 to March 29, to ensure the peaceful observance of the Oro Ipebi rites, a crucial traditional process leading to the official ascension of Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I as the new Alaafin.
According to Rotimi Osuntola, Chief of Staff to the Alaafin, residents of Oyo town must comply strictly with the curfew, as movements will be strictly prohibited during the restricted hours. Violators will be arrested and detained until 7 a.m.
The Oro Ipebi rites signify the absolute seclusion of the Alaafin, a sacred tradition that must be respected by all, Osuntola emphasized.
Also, the Alaafin stool remains a subject of legal and political dispute. The Oyomesi, Oyo’s traditional kingmakers, originally selected Lukman Gbadegesin from a pool of 82 candidates. However, Governor Seyi Makinde refused to approve his appointment, raising concerns over the selection process.
This disagreement led to a legal battle between the kingmakers and the Oyo State Government, with the Court of Appeal now expected to decide on the matter. Despite these controversies, Governor Makinde proceeded to appoint Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I as the new Alaafin in January, sparking criticism from traditionalists who see it as a breach of Oyo’s customs.
