Alaafin Unveils Official Title
Alaafin Unveils Official Title
In a significant announcement that marks an important milestone in the cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom, Prince Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin-elect, has officially released his title to the public. This announcement was made through a brief yet pointed statement from the palace on Tuesday, posturing the new monarch’s identity as an essential element of the royal tradition.
The announcement specified that the dignified address for the Alaafin-elect will be “His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.” The statement emphasized the correct and respectful way to refer to the Alaafin, instructing the public to adhere strictly to the prescribed form. It noted an important distinction in the naming convention—the numeral ‘I’ following Owoade is expressed in Roman numerals, not as an English numeral, reinforcing the significance of tradition and protocol in royal correspondence.
This formal declaration follows shortly after the Alaafin-elect began a schedule of traditional rites known as “Oro Opebi,” a customary series of rituals required for him before officially assuming the throne. The Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-elect, Rotimi Osuntola, provided further insights into these rites during a statement made in Ibadan on March 7. The traditional ceremonies are set to span 21 days, culminating on Saturday, March 29, 2025, thereby steeping the community in a period of rich cultural practices.
Osuntola’s announcement conveyed the sacredness of the rites, termed ÒRÒ ÌPĘBÍ, asserting that they are mandatory for His Imperial Majesty in preparation for ruling. Notably, the rites necessitate a curfew in Oyo town, from 8 PM to 6 AM each day. This measure aims to maintain the sanctity of the ritual, prohibiting any movement during designated hours. Violators of this curfew could face arrest and detention until the following morning, emphasizing the seriousness of the ceremonial observance.
“ORO IPĘBI,” which signifies the complete seclusion of the incoming Alaafin during the rites, is underscored as a vital component of the royal ascension process. The palace has made clear that this period of seclusion must be respected by all community members, illustrating the importance of tradition in the democratic fabric of the Oyo Kingdom.
As the community prepares for this pivotal transition in leadership, the explicit call for the public to honor the traditional protocols reflects the significance the Oyo Kingdom places on its historical customs and governance structures. The advent of His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, heralds a new chapter in Oyo’s storied legacy.
