Oyo Kingdom is abuzz with royal pronouncements as the Alaafin-elect, Prince Akeem Owoade, has officially unveiled his regal title, marking a significant milestone ahead of his ascension to the revered throne.

In a statement released from the palace on Tuesday, the monarch declared that he shall be formally addressed as: “His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.”

Emphasizing the gravity of this declaration, the palace urged the public and the media to adhere strictly to the official styling, cautioning against any alterations.

The statement also clarified that the numeral ‘I’ after Owoade represents the Roman numeral one (I) and not the English number one (1).

This pronouncement comes just days after the Alaafin-elect entered the sacred seclusion of “Oro Ipebi”, a mandatory 21-day traditional rite that precedes his formal ascension.

On March 7, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, announced that the age-old rites had commenced and would continue until Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The rite, steeped in deep ancestral customs, includes an absolute seclusion period during which the Alaafin-elect undergoes spiritual purification and communion with the revered spirits of past Alaafins.

As part of the sacred traditions, a strict 8 PM to 6 AM curfew has been imposed across Oyo township throughout the duration of the ritual.

The palace warned that anyone found violating the curfew would be arrested and detained until 7 AM the following morning.

“It is pertinent to state that Oro Ipebi, which makes the incoming Alaafin go into absolute seclusion while it lasts, is sacrosanct for the ascending Iku Baba Yeye and must be respected by all and sundry,” the statement read.