Alaafin clears air on curfew during 21 days traditional rites
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Sunday clarified misconceptions surrounding the imposed curfew during the 21-day traditional rites, popularly known as Oro Ipebi, in the ancient town.
He also addressed concerns over the choice of words in the earlier statement issued on the matter.
In a statement released by his Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the monarch explained that the wording of the initial announcement was not intended to demean practitioners of any religion.
Osuntola stated that the monarch had directed that the issue of the curfew be disregarded.
The statement read: “The Office of the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin of Oyo has noted the sentiments expressed by a section of the Oyo populace regarding the restriction of movement during certain hours of the day, as announced in view of the ongoing Oro Ipebi rites being performed in honour of Oba Owoade’s ascension to the throne.
“While words such as ‘curfew,’ ‘arrest,’ and ‘detention’ were used in an earlier statement from this office, they were meant in the loose traditional sense, as is customary whenever Oro rites are performed in the Oyo Kingdom. Their interpretations should be understood as such and not as coercive measures or an attempt to undermine the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons. Instead, they were intended to encourage residents to be mindful of their movements during the traditional rites.
“Therefore, the earlier announcement concerning curfew, arrest, and detention of violators should be disregarded. His Imperial Majesty, himself a practising Muslim and a man of Iman (faith), would never compromise human rights and freedoms enshrined and guaranteed by the constitution.
“Oba Owoade has directed that the issue of the curfew be dismissed. As a peace-loving king, he seeks unity and harmony among his subjects. The initial statement was meant to protect lives in Oyo town during the Oro rites.”
The monarch advised residents to exercise caution in areas where the Oro rites are being performed.
“It is customary in Oyo to request movement restrictions during Oro rites. However, the Office of the Chief of Staff regrets the use of the words ‘curfew,’ ‘arrests,’ and ‘detention’ and accepts responsibility for any misunderstanding, as the Oba had already commenced the rites when the statement was issued.
“We urge the good people of Oyo to go about their daily activities without fear of arrest, detention, or harassment,” the statement concluded.
Osuntola had initially announced a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, starting on Friday, March 29, 2025, but it was later revised to 10 pm to 4:30 am to accommodate those observing fasts.
