By Oluseye Ojo
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Friday night began his three-week seclusion rites, ahead of his official coronation on Saturday April 5, 2025.
The seclusion, known as ‘Ipebi Rites’n will end on Saturday March 29. Chief of Staff to the monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, in a statement made available to the media on Friday, said movement would be restricted during the period.
“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 in part.