The media team to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has debunked a report in a section of the media which alleged the new monarch abandoned the traditional rites of ascension midway, describing the report as misleading.
A member of the team, Bode Durojaiye when contacted said the media report was not only misleading but also grossly mischievous, noting that the headline was slanted in variance with the body of the story, which he said was unfair to the Alaafin throne.
Durojaiye said Oba Owoade couldn’t have put on hold the traditional rites he had not started, which he said the author of the media report also acknowledged in the body of the story.
He stressed that Oba Owoade has not started the traditional rites that will lead to his coronation on April 4, 2025, and as such he couldn’t have abandoned it midway for Canada.
He added that the Oyo state government is sufficiently aware of the movement and whereabouts of the Alaafin, adding that the state government is being adequately carried along and in agreement on this issue and others.
Explaining the imperative of the trip, Durojaiye said the monarch’s trip is within the timeframe allowed by his coronation on April 4, 2025.
He said Oba Owoade only returned to his Canada base to officially put things in proper order in his workplaces and other engagements abroad.
Durojaiye said: “The attention of the media team to the Alaafin designate, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has been drawn to a report with the headline, “Alaafin: Owoade puts traditional rites on hold, returns to Canada.”