“New Alaafin of Oyo Delays Traditional Rites, Returns to Canada for Professional Commitments”

The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has delayed the commencement of his traditional rites, postponing the process ahead of his coronation on April 4.

Following his receipt of the staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, Owoade was expected to begin the traditional rites required for his enthronement. However, instead of starting the ceremonies, he traveled to Canada the very next day.

Owoade needed to return to Canada to formally resign from his professional commitments and complete necessary paperwork before resuming his duties in Oyo.

The source explained, “He (Owoade) is still in Canada. He has to resign from the places he works in Canada and perfect all those papers before returning to Oyo.”

The source added that once the rites begin, they must proceed without interruption, and the process is expected to last almost a month, with the Ipebi seclusion being a key part of the ritual.

Owoade, a Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur and head of a real estate and financial services business, is also a project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest utilities. His international obligations have delayed the start of the traditional rites, though preparations are reportedly still underway.

Central to the enthronement process is the Ipebi ritual, in which the Alaafin-elect will undergo spiritual guidance, with significant involvement from the Oluawo (Ifa priest), the Oyo Mesi, and other spiritual leaders.

Once these rites are completed, Owoade will be crowned in the Koso chamber, signifying his spiritual and royal authority.

Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the coronation date has now been set for April 4.