The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has returned to Nigeria from Canada to undergo traditional rites ahead of his official coronation.
Oba Owoade arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday at 6:25 p.m., accompanied by his wife. He was warmly received by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, alongside traditional drummers and dancers who added a festive touch to the occasion.
Traditional Rites Begin
The new monarch recently received his certificate of appointment and staff of office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officially confirming him as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
His media aide, Bode Durojaiye, revealed that preparations for the traditional rites are in full swing, stating that the Alaafin would visit several sacred sites, offer sacrifices, perform appeasements, and spend nights in designated ancestral homes as part of the spiritual process.
Following these rites, Oba Owoade will enter the Ipebi, a period of seclusion within the palace, where final ancestral rituals will be conducted before his official coronation.
Durojaiye emphasized the sacredness of the Alaafin institution, describing it as a pillar of Yoruba tradition that commands deep reverence.
