By Miracle Ogunde
Ahead of the coronation scheduled to take place on April 4, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has delayed the start of his traditional rites and returned to Canada for personal reasons.
According to PUNCH, a source close to the monarch revealed that Owoade needed to return to Canada to officially resign from his professional commitments and finalise necessary paperwork before resuming his duties in Oyo.
The source said, “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 process takes time, and once it begins, there’s no stopping. We expect the rituals to last almost a month, with the Ipebi seclusion being a key part.”
After receiving the staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, Owoade was expected to begin a series of traditional rites required for his enthronement.
However, instead of initiating the rites, the Alaafin-elect left for Canada the following day.
The Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur, who heads a real estate and financial services business, is also the project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada’s largest utilities.
His international engagements have delayed the traditional process, though sources suggest preparations are still underway for the rites, which include sacrifices, rituals, and visits to key locations in Oyo.
The Ipebi ritual, in which the Alaafin-elect will be spiritually guided, is central to the enthronement process, with significant roles played by the Oluawo (Ifa priest), the Oyo Mesi, and other spiritual leaders.
Once the traditional rites are completed, Owoade will be crowned in the Koso chamber, symbolising his spiritual and royal authority.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the coronation date has now been fixed for April 4.
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