By Oluseye Ojo
Preparation for the installation of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo has begun in Oyo towns and other parts of Yorubaland.
The Alaafin-Designate, who received the news that his appointment as Alaafin, was approved by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday last week is billed to arrive Oyo State from his base in Canada on Monday
Prince Owoade’s emergence was announced on Friday by the Oyo State government, more than two years and eight months after the demise of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022.
Another source stated that the arrival of Alaafin-Designate from Canada would not be made open until his arrival, saying: “Our new Alaafin might have been in Nigeria since Saturday. And he may return to Nigeria on Monday. But whatever the case, we are looking at how it will.go.”
A source in Oyo town said the Alaafin-Designate, a holder of Master of Science (MSc) in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University, might go into seclusion after landing in Oyo town for traditional rites that have always preceed the official installation of every Alaafin.
But there were rumours at the weekend that the Alaafin-Designate might receive his certificate and staff of office as soon a possible from the Oyo State Government in order to seal his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
It was further gathered that a team of experts have been sent to the palace in Oyo town to assess the facility and make the palace suitable for the new Alaafin.
The exact time the the state government would present instruments of office to the new Alaafin has nit been disclosed.
Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, when contacted on updates on the presentation of instruments of office to the new Alaafin, said: “The latest update is that His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, as the new Alaafin. His name was submitted by the Oyomesi, and the governor approved it. So, there is no further update yet.”
In the same vein, Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, Prince Dotun Oyelade, was also asked about update on presentation of instruments of office to the new Alaafin. He responded: “Once there is an update, your constituency (media) will be the first to know. You can be sure of that.”