The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has officially arrived in Nigeria from Canada to commence his traditional rites and coronation preparations.
Oba Owoade touched down at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at approximately 6:25 p.m., accompanied by his wife and a retinue of close associates.
The royal arrival was marked by a warm reception, led by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, who welcomed the incoming monarch. The atmosphere at the airport was festive, with traditional drummers, dancers, and cultural displays celebrating his homecoming.
The return of Oba Akeem Owoade marks the beginning of his journey to the throne, where he is expected to undergo a series of traditional rites before his formal installation as the Alaafin of Oyo, a prestigious and historically significant royal position in Yorubaland.
The new monarch recently received his certificate of appointment and staff of office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officially confirming him as the 46th Alaafin of the ancient town.
His media aide, Bode Durojaiye, earlier stated that preparations for the traditional rites were in full swing.
“As part of the processes, Alaafin Owoade would visit several houses to offer sacrifices, make appeasements, and even sleep over at some of the houses to carry out some night rites,” Durojaiye explained.
He added that following these rites, the Alaafin would enter Ipebi—a period of seclusion within the palace—where the final ancestral rituals would be performed before his official coronation.
Durojaiye emphasised the sacredness of the Alaafin institution, describing it as a pillar of Yoruba tradition that commands deep respect.