Alaafin of Oyo Comes Home to Nigeria for Traditional Rites.
Chidiebele Ojuanu Oyinbusola
The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola A. Owoade, has returned to Nigeria from Canada in preparation for his traditional rites, arriving at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. He was accompanied by his wife and warmly received by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, alongside traditional drummers and dancers who fueled the festive atmosphere.
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 due process.
“As part of the processes, Alaafin Owoade would visit a number of 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 emphasized the sacredness of the Alaafin institution, describing it as a pillar of Yoruba tradition that commands deep respect.
