New Alaafin Yet To Begin Traditional Rites, Returns To Canada

Ten days after receiving his staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde, the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has yet to commence the month-long traditional rites required for his coronation.

During the January 13 presentation at the Oyo Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Governor Makinde announced that the coronation ceremony for Oba Owoade would take place in four weeks.

“The coronation proper will take place in four weeks, but today I will hand over the certificate and staff of office,” Makinde said.

Following the presentation, the Alaafin-elect returned to Oyo town, where he was given a rousing welcome by residents.

Naijaonpoint recalls that he also visited his family house to celebrate with relatives and friends.

Contrary to expectations that the traditional rites would commence immediately, Oba Owoade traveled to Canada the day after his triumphant entry.

A source told Punch that the Alaafin-elect returned to his Canadian base to officially resign from his roles and finalize necessary documentation.

“He has to resign from the places he works in Canada and perfect all those papers before returning to Oyo,” the source said.

Oba Owoade, a Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist, is the President of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate and financial services company.

He is also a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a leading electric power and natural gas utility in Canada.

Individuals and groups involved in the enthronement process confirmed that the traditional rites, including the Ipebi (seclusion) ritual, have not commenced.

“He is yet to begin the traditional rites. Once he starts, it will be a non-stop process that involves visiting many places, performing sacrifices, and undergoing rituals. It could take close to a month,” one source explained.

Enthronement Process

– Ipebi Seclusion Ritual: This involves prayers, sacrifices, and spiritual guidance by the Oluawo (Ifa priest) and the Oyo Mesi.

– Visits to Key Locations: These include the Baba Iyaji residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, and Bara.

– Koso Chamber Rituals: The Alaafin-elect will be crowned with a royal headdress, solidifying his spiritual authority, and perform additional offerings to the Orishas and ancestors.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the coronation has been scheduled for April 4, 2025.

“The state government has approved April 4 as the date for the coronation of the new Alaafin,” Oyelade told Punch.