Alaafin: Kingmakers, priests will decide when to start rites —Prof Abimbola

EMINENT Ifa priest, Professor Wande Abimbola, has explained that the new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Owoade, has not breached any aspect of the culture and tradition of Oyo town with his traveling to Canada after being presented with the instrument of office.

Governor Seyi Makinde had on Monday, 13 January 2025, presented Oba Owoade with the Instrument of Office at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan

Oba Owoade later left for Oyo, where he was received by a multitude of ecstatic Oyo sons and daughters in a road show across the streets of the ancient town.

Nigerian Tribune reports that popular markets in the town were shut down in honour of the new monarch.

However, there are reports that Oba Owoade left the country for Canada soon after that ceremony.

Professor Abimbola, in a telephone conversation with the Nigerian Tribune, submitted that the new oba has not breached the culture and tradition of the land.

According to him, “The rites have not started and so there has been no breach of culture and tradition.

“The priests and the kingmakers will decide when to start the rites. In the past, it was Ifa that determined the most auspicious day to start the Ipebi. But, now, the Oyomesi, the council of Babalawo and the priests, will decide when to start.”

Speaking in the same vein in a telephone conversation, the head of the princes, otherwise known as Baba Iyaji, Chief Mukaila Atanda, confirmed to our correspondent that the oba is yet to commence the rites in accordance with the culture and tradition of the ancient town.

“Kabiyesi has gone to Canada. He will commence the rites immediately he returns.”

Also, one of the contestants to the throne who preferred anonymity told our correspondent that Oba Owoade left Oyo town on the same day that he received the instrument of office around 6.30 pm after visiting some places of historical importance for Ibadan.

“We were told that Alaafin requested for three weeks break to enable him to tidy up things in Canada.

“He is expected back in the country after the break to commence the traditional rites,” the man said.

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