Oyo State's new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has yet to begin the traditional rites for his coronation despite receiving his staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, 2025. The Governor had announced that the coronation would take place within four weeks of the presentation. However, ten days after receiving the official documents, the Alaafin-elect unexpectedly traveled to Canada the following day.
Sources reveal that Oba Owoade had to return to his Canadian base to officially resign from his professional commitments there. Owoade, a Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, has been preparing for his enthronement but needed to finalize his affairs in Canada.
As of now, the traditional rites are yet to commence, and several groups and individuals involved in the process are waiting for the Alaafin-elect to return and begin the rituals. The process, which includes sacrifices and visits to various locations, is expected to take close to a month to complete.
The Ipebi, a crucial part of the ritual, marks the start of the enthronement journey. During this period, Oba Owoade will seek spiritual guidance from the Ifa priest and other traditional leaders to prepare for the royal responsibilities ahead. The culmination of the traditional rites will take place at the Koso chamber, where the Alaafin-elect will be crowned with his royal headdress, symbolizing his spiritual authority.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the state government has officially set April 4, 2025, for Oba Akeem Owoade's coronation, which will follow the completion of the full traditional rites.
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Source: Punch
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