The final phase of traditional rites for the Alaafin-elect, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, will occur on Friday night at the Sango shrine in Koso, Oyo town.
According to a statement from the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, the ceremony marks the last lap of the Oro Ipebi ritual, a significant step before the official coronation.
Oba Owoade will be accompanied by members of the Oyo Mesi (traditional council), princes and princesses from royal families, traditional priests, Baales (village heads) and a section of residents.
“The royal father would sleep over at the shrine where he will be worn with the Sango crown by Baba Mogba in the early morning of Saturday, as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo,” Durojaiye stated.
“Immediately after the wearing of the Sango crown, everybody present at the historical event, including the Oyo Mesi members, will prostrate and say ‘Kabiyesi’ to the Alaafin.”
The event serves as a prelude to the official coronation ceremony, scheduled to take place on April 5, 2025, at the open field of Oliveth Heights, Oyo.
