Alaafin-Elect, Owoade Yet To Begin Seclusion Rites – Head Of Oyo Princes

The Head of Oyo Princes, Chief Mukaila Afonja, has clarified that Prince Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin-elect, is yet to begin the traditional seclusion rites required before his formal installation as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Vanguard on Thursday, Afonja assured that the seclusion rites would commence as soon as the Alaafin-elect returns to Nigeria from Canada, where he is reportedly finalizing his resignation from his workplace.

Following Governor Seyi Makinde’s presentation of the certificate and staff of office to Prince Owoade at the Oyo State Executive Chambers, the Alaafin-elect returned to Oyo to a rousing reception by residents.

However, shortly after, it was revealed that he had travelled to Canada.

Clarifying the issue, Afonja noted that Owoade had collected only the certificate and the office staff, noting that seclusion rites would be performed whenever he returned to the country.

When asked if the new Alaafin had not contravened tradition by travelling abroad during seclusion, he said, “He has collected only the certificate. He is yet to undergo all the necessary rites. When he comes, he will go into seclusion.

“When he is back in the country, he will enter Ipebi(seclusion) and while in Ipebi, the new Alaafin will go through all necessary rites as preparation for the coronation which will come up in April.

“He will spend almost 30 days in Ipebi. He will undergo many lessons and tutelage. He will begin the rites soon”.

When Vanguard contacted another source in the ancient city, he ruled out the insinuations that the Ifa Priests and other traditionalists were reluctant to perform the rites for the new monarch.

Speaking on the effect of modernity on kingship, he said, “Since modernity has usurped the role of the traditionalists in some areas, we have to make some adjustments. In the olden days, once a king had been picked, he would immediately go into mandatory seclusion which is 21 days and would not go out until he performed all the rites. After that, the coronation ceremony and presentation of staff and certificate can follow.”