The office of the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom has announced a daily curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., this takes effect immediately, in preparation for the traditional rites of the Alaafin, Abimbola AbdulAkeem Owoade I.
The curfew, which started from Friday, 7 March, to end on Saturday, 29 March, aims to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Oro Ipebi rites, a very important traditional process leading up to Alaafin’s ascension to the throne.
From a total of 82 aspirants, the Oyomesi selected Lukman Gbadegesin as the new Alaafin. However, Governor Seyi Makinde questioned the process and refused to approve.
Despite the legal battle over the Alaafin stool, the governor appointed Mr Owoade the new Alaafin in January.
According to Rotimi Osuntola, the Alaafin’s Chief of Staff, Oyo township residents are advised to comply with the curfew and avoid movement during restricted hours.
“This means movements are not allowed during the period of the curfew, and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained till 7 a.m. of the following day after his or her arrest,” Mr Osuntola stated.
He emphasised the importance of respecting the Oro Ipebi rites, which involve the Alaafin going into absolute seclusion.
“ORO IPEBI… is sacrosanct for the ascending Iku-Baba-Yeye and must be respected by all and sundry,” Mr Osuntola said.