After spending nearly seven weeks in Canada, the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade, arrived at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, on Wednesday evening.
He is expected to proceed to his hometown, Oyo, today (Thursday), ahead of his official coronation as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo on April 5.
Owoade’s return marks a significant step in his journey to the throne, following his January 13 certification by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. At the event, Makinde confirmed that the coronation would take place within four weeks.
Shortly after receiving his staff of office, Owoade traveled back to Canada, where he officially resigned from his professional engagements before returning to Nigeria. A real estate investor and financial services businessman, he also served as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a major energy provider in Canada.
Confirming his arrival, the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, called on Oyo indigenes to welcome their new king in large numbers.
“He arrived safely in Nigeria on Wednesday evening. Alaafin will be in Oyo town by noon on Thursday (today) and looks forward to seeing the people of Oyo come out en masse to receive him,” Osuntola said.
Stakeholders in Oyo have also confirmed their readiness to celebrate his homecoming, with many planning to travel to Ibadan to accompany him on his grand entry into Oyo.
In the days ahead, Owoade will commence the traditional enthronement rites at Baba Iyaji’s residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, Bara, before proceeding to the Koso chamber with his chiefs and priests in preparation for his coronation.
