•New Alaafin, Oba Akeem Owoade
After spending about seven weeks in Canada, the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade, arrived at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, yesterday evening.
He is expected to make his way to his hometown, Oyo, today (Thursday), reports The PUNCH.
Owoade’s return comes just a month before his official coronation as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, scheduled for April 5.
On January 13, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented Owoade with his certificate and staff of office at the Governor’s Office, State Secretariat, Ibadan.
At the event, Governor Makinde announced that the coronation of the new Alaafin would take place within four weeks.
As the countdown to the coronation began, it was earlier exclusively reported that Owoade had left Nigeria just hours after receiving his staff of office, travelling back to Canada, his base.
It was then reported that Owoade had yet to begin the traditional rites before leaving for Canada where he had to officially resign from his workplaces and engagements.
Owoade is based in Canada as a real estate investor, and financial services businessman, and is the Project Coordinator at one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada, Manitoba Hydro.
Confirming his return, the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, urged Oyo indigenes to turn out in large numbers to welcome their new king.
“He arrived safely in Nigeria on Wednesday evening. Alaafin will be in Oyo town by noon on Thursday (today) and looks forward to seeing the people of Oyo come out en masse to receive him,” Osuntola said.
Stakeholders in Oyo town also confirmed receiving news of the monarch’s arrival.
Some noted that they would travel to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to welcome him and accompany his entourage to ensure his grand entry into Oyo today.
In the coming days, Owoade will commence traditional rites leading up to his April 5 coronation.
The Alaafin-designate is to perform certain enthronement rites at the Baba Iyaji residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, Bara before he proceeds to the Koso chamber accompanied by his chiefs and priests.
Documents relating to the Alaafin installation indicate that the divinely selected candidate goes to Ipebi for traditional rites and is installed as the new king after the completion of all the traditional rites.
The Ipebi (seclusion) ritual involves several individuals and groups playing key roles in guaranteeing the spiritual well-being and authority of the Alaafin.
Among them is the Oluawo (Ifa priest) who serves as the spiritual guide and advisor to the Alaafin through the Ipebi ritual.
The Oyo Mesi, priests and priestesses also play roles in offering prayers, performing sacrifices and providing spiritual support.
In the Koso chamber, the Alaafin-elect will be crowned with his royal headdress, symbolising his renewed spiritual authority.
He also would perform additional rituals and make offerings to the Orishas and his ancestors solidifying his connection with the divine.
Meanwhile, both the state and local organising committees have intensified preparations for the April 5 coronation.
These preparations continue despite ongoing legal challenges to Owoade’s emergence as Alaafin.
One of the lawsuits was filed by Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, a contender for the throne, who argues that Owoade’s appointment violates the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
Filed on February 12, Gbadegesin’s suit seeks to nullify Owoade’s appointment and prevent him from assuming the throne or performing any royal duties.
The lawsuit names Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and 11 others as defendants.
Similarly, another Oyo prince and former aspirant to the Alaafin throne, Ismaila Owoade, has filed a separate lawsuit against Governor Makinde and 19 others.
His suit challenges his exclusion from the selection process, which he claims was abruptly truncated with the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade.
