Alaafin Designate Owoade delays traditional rites to prepare for marathon coronation rituals
…As he returns to Canada for work obligations
The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has delayed the commencement of the rigorous traditional rites required for his coronation, citing the need to fully prepare for the month-long, uninterrupted process.
Oba Owoade, who received his staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, was expected to immediately begin the rites that precede his enthronement.
However, the monarch-elect returned to Canada the day after his presentation to conclude personal and professional obligations.
The traditional rites, which include visits to sacred sites, sacrifices, and guided rituals, are expected to last nearly a month and must proceed without interruption once started. A source close to the process explained the monarch-elect’s decision: “Once he starts, it will be a non-stop process. He has to visit many places and perform rituals. He must be fully prepared for this.”
Upon receiving his staff of office in Ibadan, Oba Owoade was given a hero’s welcome in Oyo town, where residents celebrated his appointment.
The new Alaafin then departed for Canada to finalize his professional commitments, which include his role as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a leading energy utility in Canada, and as President of 100279 Manitoba Limited.
A source clarified his temporary absence: “He had to resign from his positions in Canada and perfect necessary documents before he could fully dedicate himself to the traditional process in Oyo.”
The enthronement rites will begin with the Ipebi (seclusion) phase, a critical spiritual step in the Oyo kingship tradition. This phase, along with other ceremonies, will be carried out under the guidance of priests, priestesses, and traditional authorities.
Governor Makinde had announced during the presentation of the Staff of Office and certificate that the coronation ceremony would take place in April 2025.
Despite the delay, insiders affirm that Oba Owoade’s return will mark the start of the intense rituals, signaling his readiness to fully embrace his new role as the Alaafin of Oyo.
