Newly Appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Returns for Traditional Rites

The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has arrived in Nigeria from Canada to commence the traditional rites required for his official installation. His return marks a significant moment in the Yoruba kingdom’s history, as the sacred rituals prepare him for his full assumption of the revered throne.

Alaafin Owoade Welcomed Amid Festivities

Oba Owoade landed at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 6:25 p.m. on Wednesday, receiving a warm reception. His wife accompanied him on the journey, reflecting the unity and cultural significance of the transition.

Among the notable figures welcoming him was Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture. A vibrant display of Yoruba tradition unfolded at the airport, with traditional drummers and dancers adding a festive touch to the homecoming of the monarch.

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, had earlier presented Oba Owoade with his certificate of appointment and staff of office, officially recognizing him as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. This step was a crucial part of the process, affirming the legitimacy of his ascension to the historic throne.

Alaafin Owoade to Undergo Sacred Traditional Rites

Following his return, Oba Owoade is set to engage in a series of traditional and spiritual rites to solidify his position as Alaafin. His media aide, Bode Durojaiye, revealed that these rituals are already in motion and will be carried out with the utmost respect for Yoruba customs.

“As part of the process, Alaafin Owoade will visit several significant houses to offer sacrifices and make appeasements. He will also spend nights at specific locations to perform night rites, as required by tradition,” Durojaiye explained.

These rites are crucial to the legitimacy of the Alaafin’s reign, as they are believed to connect him with the ancestral spirits of Oyo and prepare him for the spiritual responsibilities that come with the throne.

Alaafin To Enter Ipebi for Final Rituals

Once these preliminary traditional visits are completed, Oba Owoade will proceed to Ipebi, a sacred period of seclusion within the palace. This final stage of the coronation process involves deep ancestral rituals, where the Alaafin undergoes spiritual cleansing and receives sacred knowledge essential for his kingship.

Durojaiye emphasized the sacredness of the Alaafin institution, highlighting its deep roots in Yoruba heritage.

“The Alaafin throne is not just a kingship title; it is an institution of great historical and spiritual significance to the Yoruba people,” he stated.

As Oba Owoade embarks on this revered journey, the people of Oyo and the entire Yoruba kingdom eagerly anticipate the completion of the rites, which will culminate in a grand coronation ceremony, solidifying his reign as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.