Alaafin clears air on abandoning traditional rites as Seyi Makinde fixes April 4 for coronation
The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo Akeem Abimbola Owoade has cleared the air on abandoning traditional rites expected of him to be coronated as the the king of the ancient town.
Recall that Owoade received staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13.
He was expected to begin a series of traditional rites required for his enthronement. However, instead of initiating the rites, the Alaafin-elect visited Oyo town after receiving the certificate and staff of office, and left reportedly for Canada the following day.
But, clearing the air on the development, a key member of the team, Bode Durojaiye, characterised the report as not only misleading but also alarmingly deceptive.
“This headline is designed to mislead the public and misrepresent the esteemed Alaafin throne,” he asserted, emphasizing that the content of the article fails to align with its sensationalised headline.
Durojaiye further noted that the customary activities that would led to the coronation of the new Alaafin has been scheduled for April 4, 2025.
Reacting to claim that the Oba left Nigeria for Canada to boycott the rites, the media team said the state government have been carried along in every movement of the monarch.
Durojaiye said, “Kabiyesi’s trip is within the timeframe allowed by his coronation on April 4, 2025.
“Oba Owoade only returned to his Canada base to officially put things in proper order in his workplaces and other engagements in Canada,” he said.
He also assured Oyo people that the monarch would be back home in due time for the scheduled rites.
Makinde fixes April 4 for coronation of Owoade as 46th Alaafin of Oyo
Meanwhile, Oyo governor, Seyi Makinde has announced April 4, 2025 as the coronation day for Owoade as 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the develomnent on Wednesday.
He said the state government had approved April 4 as the date for the coronation of the new Alaafin.
