The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria, Oba Akeem Owoade, has postponed his traditional rites after traveling back to Canada, ahead of his scheduled coronation on April 4.
Oba Owoade, who received his staff of office and certificate of appointment from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, was expected to begin the customary rites required for his enthronement. However, he left for Canada the following day.
According to sources close to the monarch, Owoade returned to Canada to officially resign from his professional engagements and finalize necessary paperwork before assuming his full royal duties in Oyo.
“He is still in Canada. He has to resign from his workplaces and complete all formalities before returning to Nigeria. The traditional process takes time, and once it begins, it cannot be paused,” a source revealed.
The Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur is the head of a real estate and financial services company and also serves as a project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest utilities. His international commitments have caused a delay in the initiation of the rituals, although preparations for his enthronement remain ongoing.
The Ipebi seclusion, a crucial spiritual rite in the Alaafin’s coronation process, is expected to last about a month. It will involve the Oluawo (Ifa priest), the Oyo Mesi (kingmakers), and other traditional custodians. Once the rites are completed, Oba Owoade will be officially crowned in the Koso chamber, symbolizing his full authority as the Alaafin of Oyo.
Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the coronation date has been set for April 4, ensuring that all necessary traditions are observed before the historic event.
