Owoade came accompanied by his wife, and Idris Aregbe, who serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts, and Culture
In preparation for his traditional ceremonies, Oba Akeem Owoade, who was recently appointed as the Alaafin of Oyo, has arrived in Nigeria from Canada. It was around on Wednesday when Owoade arrived at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
Owoade came accompanied by his wife, and Idris Aregbe, who serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, extended a cordial welcome to him.
On January 24, IREPORT247NEW reported that the media staff for Oba Akeem Owoade, strongly criticized allegations that the monarch has abandoned traditional ceremonies in the middle of the process.
A key team member, Bode Durojaiye, described the report as alarmingly false and misleading in an interview with press.
“This headline is designed to mislead the public and misrepresent the esteemed Alaafin throne,” he claimed, highlighting the fact that the article’s content does not match its captivating headline.
According to Durojaiye, who clarified the matter, Oba Owoade has not yet begun the customary ceremonies necessary for his coronation, which is set for April 5, 2025.
“It is impossible for the Alaafin to abandon rites he has not even begun. The report itself acknowledges this fact,” he made reference to the publication’s acknowledgement regarding the timeline.
He added that there is no disagreement over Alaafin’s absence and that the Oyo State Government is fully aware of his travels and supports his choices.
“Once traditional rites begin, they cannot be paused or interrupted. Tradition dictates that these rites must be completed without deviation,” Durojaiye reaffirmed.
Durojaiye asked the media to be more careful when covering issues of cultural significance and traditional leadership.
“He addressed the necessity of the Alaafin’s trip and clarified that it falls well within the timeline leading up to his coronation, saying, “Oba Owoade returned to Canada solely to manage his professional responsibilities and ensure everything is in order before his upcoming coronation.”
“We must respect our rich heritage and the values that distinguish our society. Misrepresenting these elements only serves to undermine our cultural identity,” he emphasized.
“Let us all come together to assist our new monarch in the significant tasks that lie ahead,” he said, rallying the people of Oyo and beyond to support Oba Owoade. Your support and participation are much appreciated.
IREPORT247NEW also recall that the Oyo State Government established 25-member committee for Oba Abimbola Owoade, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, in advance of his coronation on April 5.
According to the administration, Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo will host the coronation. Otunba Ademola Ojo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, presided over the installation committee’s inauguration yesterday in the ministry’s conference room.
In order to facilitate efficient coordination and planning for a seamless coronation, he explained, the installation committee had been divided into groups.
“Commissioner for Local Government/Chieftaincy Matters Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Budget, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Commissioner for Information and Orientation Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Princes Abiodun and Adeniyi Owoade, Chairman of ALGON Sikiru Sanda, and the Chairman of Atiba Local Government are among the members of the installation committee.
Additional individuals include: Dr. Ganiyu Ajayi, Director General Protocol, Otunba Gboyega Badejo, Salami Akeem (Chairman, Oyo West), Olufemi Aikomo (Chairman, Afijio Council), Executive Chairman, Oyo East Local Government, and Executive Assistant (Security) to the Governor, CP Sunday Odukoya.