Ten days after being presented with his Staff of Office and Certificate of Appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde, the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has yet to begin the month-long traditional rites required for his coronation, Punch reports.
Pun ch recalled that during the January 13, 2025, presentation at the Oyo Governor’s Office, in Ibadan, Governor Makinde announced that the coronation ceremony for Oba Owoade would take place within four weeks.
“The coronation proper will take place in four weeks, but today I will hand over the certificate and staff of office,” Governor Makinde had said.
Following the presentation, the Alaafin-elect returned to Oyo town, where he received a warm welcome from residents. He also visited his family house to celebrate with relatives and friends.
Contrary to expectations that the traditional rites would begin immediately, Oba Owoade traveled to Canada the day after his triumphant return.
A source told Punch that the Alaafin-elect returned to his Canadian base to officially resign from his roles and complete necessary documentation.
“He has to resign from the places he works in Canada and finalize all the necessary paperwork before returning to Oyo,” the source said.
Oba Owoade, a Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist, serves as 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 continuous process involving visits to several locations, performing sacrifices, and undergoing rituals. It could take close to a month,” one source explained.
Enthronement Process:
– Ipebi Seclusion Ritual: This includes 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, 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 t.