Prince Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin-elect, has revealed his official title as he prepares to ascend the throne. The announcement was made in a statement released by the palace on Tuesday.
The Alaafin-elect will be formally addressed as:
His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.
The palace statement clarified the proper way to address the Alaafin:
“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 statement emphasized the correct usage of the Roman numeral: “The number after OWOADE is the Roman Numeral One (I), not the English Number One (1).”
The public is urged to strictly adhere to the specified wording without adding any prefixes or suffixes to the names.
This announcement comes as the 21-day traditional rite known as “Oro Ipebi” is underway, having commenced earlier this month.
Rotimi Osuntola, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, had previously announced the start of the rites on March 7th in a statement issued in Ibadan. He confirmed that the rites will conclude on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The initial statement detailed the “Oro Ipebi” rites:
“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.”
It also announced a curfew: “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.”
The statement further explained the curfew’s implications: “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.”
The importance of the “Oro Ipebi” was underscored: “It is pertinent to state that ORO IPĘBI, 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.”
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