Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade
Eminent Ifa priest, Professor Wande Abimbola, has clarified that the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has not violated the traditions and customs of Oyo town by traveling to Canada shortly after being presented with the Instrument of Office.
Governor Seyi Makinde formally presented Oba Owoade with the Instrument of Office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. Following the ceremony, the monarch was received with great celebration in Oyo, where a large crowd of residents thronged the streets to welcome him. Major markets in the town were reportedly closed in his honor.
However, reports emerged that the new Alaafin left for Canada soon after these events.
Speaking with the News Bulletin, Prof. Abimbola explained that the departure does not contravene Oyo’s culture and tradition because the rites for his coronation have not yet begun.
“The rites have not started, so there has been no breach of culture or tradition,” Abimbola stated. “The priests and the kingmakers will determine when to commence the rites. Traditionally, Ifa would choose the most auspicious day to begin the Ipebi process. Today, that decision rests with the Oyomesi, the council of Babalawo, and the priests.”
Similarly, the head of the princes, known as Baba Iyaji, Chief Mukaila Atanda, confirmed that the rites would commence upon Oba Owoade’s return.
“Kabiyesi has traveled to Canada. He will begin the rites immediately after his return,” he said during a telephone interview.
Additionally, a former contestant to the throne, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the monarch left Oyo the same day he received the Instrument of Office, after visiting significant historical sites in Ibadan.
“We were informed that the Alaafin requested a three-week break to finalize some matters in Canada. He is expected back in the country after the break to begin the traditional rites,” the source revealed.
