Alaafin Owoade returns to Nigeria for traditional rites
The Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Wednesday evening arrived at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Oba Owoade is expected to make his way to his hometown, Oyo, on Thursday.
His return comes a month before his official coronation as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, scheduled for April 5.
It would be recalled that on January 13, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented Owoade with his certificate and staff of office at the Governor’s Office, State Secretariat, Ibadan.
Confirming his return, the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, urged Oyo indigenes to turn out in large numbers to welcome their new king.
“He arrived safely in Nigeria on Wednesday evening. Alaafin will be in Oyo town by noon on Thursday (today) and looks forward to seeing the people of Oyo come out en masse to receive him,” Osuntola said.
Stakeholders in Oyo town also confirmed receiving news of the monarch’s arrival. Some noted that they would travel to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to welcome him and accompany his entourage to ensure his grand entry into Oyo today (Thursday).
In the coming days, Owoade will begin traditional rites leading up to his April 5 coronation. He is to perform certain enthronement rites at the Baba Iyaji residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, Bara before he proceeds to the Koso chamber accompanied by his chiefs and priests.
