- Oba Akeem Owoade returned to Nigeria from Canada ahead of his April coronation as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo
- The monarch-elect began traditional rites in preparation for his enthronement after his arrival
- Owoade’s appointment faced legal challenges, but coronation preparations continued as scheduled for April 5
The Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade, has arrived in Nigeria after spending approximately seven weeks in Canada.
The monarch-elect touched down at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja on Wednesday evening and is expected to make his way to his ancestral home in Oyo town later today Thursday, March 6.
Owoade's return comes just under a month before his eagerly anticipated coronation as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, set for April 5.
On January 13, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officially presented Owoade with his certificate and staff of office at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, marking a significant milestone in his path to the throne.
Governor Makinde had announced at the ceremony that the coronation would take place within four weeks, and since then, preparations have been intensifying for the historic event.
Shortly after receiving his staff of office, Owoade travelled back to Canada, where he is based as a real estate investor, financial services businessman, and Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, one of Canada's largest electric power and natural gas utility providers.
At the time, it was revealed that Owoade had yet to begin the traditional rites associated with the throne and had left Nigeria to formally resign from his professional engagements in Canada.
Confirming the monarch-elect’s arrival in Nigeria, the chief of staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, called on the people of Oyo to turn out in large numbers to welcome their new king.
Osuntola stated, “He arrived safely in Nigeria on Wednesday evening. The Alaafin will be in Oyo town by noon on Thursday and looks forward to seeing the people of Oyo come out en masse to receive him.”
Local stakeholders in Oyo town have confirmed the news of Owoade’s return, with many planning to travel to Ibadan to join the procession to Oyo town.
They have pledged to accompany the Alaafin-designate’s entourage for a grand entry into the city.
In the coming days, Owoade will begin the traditional rites leading up to his official enthronement. The ceremonies will take place at several sacred locations, including the Baba Iyaji residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, and Bara, before he proceeds to the Koso chamber to be crowned with his royal headdress, signifying his spiritual authority.
He will also perform additional rituals and make offerings to the Orishas and his ancestors to solidify his divine connection.
The process of becoming the Alaafin of Oyo is deeply rooted in tradition, with the Ipebi (seclusion) ritual playing a central role. During the Ipebi ritual, the Alaafin-elect will be guided spiritually by the Oluawo (Ifa priest) and supported by the Oyo Mesi, priests, and priestesses.
Together, they will perform essential prayers and sacrifices that ensure the spiritual well-being of the new king.
Despite Owoade’s return and the ongoing preparations for the coronation, his appointment has been met with legal challenges.
Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, one of the contenders for the throne, filed a lawsuit in February seeking to nullify Owoade's appointment, arguing that it contravenes the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
The suit names Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and 11 other individuals as defendants.
Additionally, another claimant, Ismaila Owoade, has filed a separate lawsuit challenging his exclusion from the selection process, which he claims was cut short with the appointment of his relative, Oba Akeem Owoade.
As the legal battles unfold, the countdown to the April 5 coronation continues.
Governor Adeleke installs Adesuyi Haastrup as Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, officially presented the staff of office to Oba Adesuyi Haastrup in Ilesa, to start the reign of a new king.
Oba Haastrup vowed to prioritise community unity, combat land grabbing, and establish a vocational institute to empower artisans and reduce unemployment.
