The new appointed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Akanni Owoade, today, arrived Lagos International Airport Ikeja, from Canada.
Oba Owoade, who landed at the Lagos International Airport around 6:25pm, was received by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, amidst a funfair from traditional dancers and drummers.
He was dressed in an office white jacket on a black pair of trousers and white snickers, with a black fez cap to match.
The new Alaafin’s arrival is in preparation for his traditional rites.
He recently received the certificate of appointment and staff of office as the 46th monarch of the ancient town from Governor Seyi Makinde.
Recall that Owoade’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said on Monday that all is set for the mandatory rites.
Durojaiye noted, “As part of the processes, Alaafin Owoade would visit a number of houses to offer sacrifices, make appeasements, and even sleep over at some of the houses to carry out some night rites.
“After performing the traditional rites at some traditional homes in Oyo town, the new Alaafin will then enter Ipebi (seclusion) for the conclusion of the traditional rites within a secluded part of the Alaafin palace.
He explained further that the ancestral rituals to be done during Ipebi would be the crescendo of rituals before the monarch is crowned Alaafin.
The media aide added that the sacredness of the Alaafin institution was one of the few reasons why the Oyo traditional monarchy system and values have garnered so much respect and admiration over the years.
“The institution inspires nothing short of reverence. The legendary feats of the Titan of Yorubaland in times past were blessings of oral history, with in-depth documentation of historical accomplishments.
“However, in continuation of the governor’s four weeks’ directive to conduct the coronation, the traditional rites will be concluded before then,” he assured.
