The long-anticipated return of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has marked the beginning of the traditional rites ahead of his coronation on April 5, 2025.
After spending time abroad, the new monarch has returned to Nigeria, where he will undergo a series of important rituals to officially prepare him for his reign.
Arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport
On Wednesday night, an Oyo indigene, Mr. Titus Oloruntunmise, shared a video documenting the royal arrival of Oba Owoade at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The newly designated Alaafin was warmly received by a group of well-wishers, including women singers who welcomed him with traditional melodies.
Dressed in a white blazer paired with matching white shoes, a black pant, and a black fez cap, Oba Owoade exuded royal elegance as he arrived in the country, ready to begin his journey towards assuming the throne of his forebears.
A Historic Moment
The video shared by Mr. Oloruntunmise captured the excitement of the moment. He wrote:
“Kabiyesi Iku Baba Yeye. Alase Ikeji Oosa. Oba Owoade Abimbola Akeem, Alaafin of Oyo is back to Nigeria and he’s ready to enter Ipebi and perform all rites as the King before the Coronation day. Kadepe Lori oooo.”
The excitement surrounding his return was palpable, as the people of Oyo prepared for the upcoming coronation, which is set to take place in early April.
Traditional Rites Ahead of the Coronation
In a statement released by the media aide to the monarch, Bode Durojaiye, it was revealed that Oba Owoade is prepared to begin the necessary traditional rituals. These rites are a crucial aspect of the coronation process, as they ensure the new king’s proper spiritual preparation and acceptance by the ancestors.
As part of the traditional process, the new Alaafin will visit several houses in Oyo town to offer sacrifices and make appeasements. Some of these visits will even involve overnight stays, where he will engage in sacred night rites as part of the preparation for his coronation.
Following these rites, the king-elect will enter Ipebi (a form of royal seclusion), where he will undergo the final stages of his initiation within the secluded sections of the Alaafin palace. The Ipebi is a vital phase in the traditional rites, allowing the incoming monarch to connect deeply with the spirits of the land, his ancestors, and his people before formally ascending the throne.
A New Era for Oyo
With Oba Owoade’s return to Nigeria, the stage is now set for him to embark on these important steps in Oyo Town, where the cultural and spiritual processes leading to his official coronation will begin. This marks the beginning of a new era for the Alaafin dynasty and the people of Oyo, as they prepare to witness the ascension of a new ruler to the revered throne.
The traditional rites signify more than just ceremonial acts—they are a reaffirmation of Oyo’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and the continuity of royal leadership. As the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade’s journey to the throne will be carefully watched, not just by the people of Oyo, but by those who appreciate the cultural significance of royal traditions across Nigeria.
