The Alaafin-elect of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Owoade, has formally announced his official title.
In a statement released from the palace on Tuesday, the monarch declared that he prefers to be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.
The statement emphasised the correct format for addressing the Alaafin in all official and media engagements.
“This is to inform the general public that the proper manner of addressing the Alaafin for all activities and in the media is EXACTLY as follows: His Imperial Majesty Iku Baba Yeye Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.
“The number after OWOADE is the Roman Numeral One (I), not the English Number One (1).
“The public is enjoined to adhere strictly to use the wordings as exactly as stated above and without adding prefix or suffix to any of the names as stated above,” the statement read.
The announcement comes amid the Alaafin-elect’s ongoing 21-day traditional rites, known as Oro Ipebi, which began on March 7.
On the same day, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, issued a statement in Ibadan confirming the commencement of the rites, which are mandatory before the Alaafin can ascend the throne.
“The Aláàfin of Oyo Kingdom hereby announces the commencement of ÒRÒ ÌPĘBÍ, the mandatory rites for His Imperial Majesty before his ascension to the revered throne of The Aláàfin.
“The rites commence from Friday, March 7, to Saturday, March 29, 2025. Throughout the period, a curfew shall be imposed as it is customary from 8 pm to 6 am daily throughout the 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 7 am of the following day after his or her arrest.
“It is pertinent to state that Oro Ipebi, which makes the incoming Aláàfin 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.
The Oro Ipebi rites are a significant part of the traditional process for every Alaafin-elect before they are officially crowned.
