Ten days after receiving his staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has yet to commence the month-long traditional rites required for his coronation.
Governor Makinde presented the staff of office to Owoade on January 13, 2024, at the State Secretariat in Ibadan. During the ceremony, the governor announced that the coronation would take place in four weeks, emphasizing the urgency of completing the traditional rites. However, Oba Owoade, contrary to expectations, left for Canada the day after receiving his certificate.
Reasons for the Delay
Sources revealed that the Alaafin-elect returned to his Canadian base to officially resign from his professional engagements and finalize necessary documentation. Owoade is a Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist, serving as the President of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services company. He is also a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest electric power and natural gas utility providers.
“He needs to resign from his workplaces in Canada and finalize all necessary paperwork before returning to Oyo,” a source disclosed.
Awaiting the Traditional Rites
As of Wednesday, individuals and groups responsible for the Alaafin-elect’s traditional enthronement rites confirmed they were still waiting for Owoade to begin the process. The traditional rites, including sacrifices, prayers, and rituals, are expected to span nearly a month, beginning with the Ipebi (seclusion) ritual.
The Ipebi ritual, a key aspect of the Alaafin’s enthronement, involves guidance from the Oluawo (Ifa priest) and participation from the Oyo Mesi, priests, and priestesses, who play vital roles in ensuring the spiritual authority and well-being of the new king. Additional rites include visits to significant locations such as the Baba Iyaji residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, and Bara, culminating in the crowning ceremony at the Koso chamber.
During the final rituals, the Alaafin-elect will don the royal headdress, perform offerings to the Orishas and ancestors, and solidify his divine connection.
Coronation Date Announced
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, announced that the state government has approved April 4, 2024, as the official coronation date for Oba Owoade.
As preparations continue, the people of Oyo eagerly await the return of their new Alaafin to begin the traditional rites and fully assume his royal responsibilities.
