The Head of Oyo Princes, Chief Mukaila Afonja, has spoken on the failure of the Alaafin-elect, Oba Akeem Owoade, to commence the process of seclusion, popularly known as Ipebi, after the January 13, 2025 presentation of instruments of office to him by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Owoade reportedly jetted out to Canada, his residence before he emerged as the Alaafin, after receiving the instruments of office.
As at press time, he was yet to return to Nigeria.
Governor Makinde had announced during the presentation of the instruments of office to Owoade that his coronation would take place in another four weeks.
He said: “The coronation proper will take place in four weeks, but today I will hand over the certificate and staff of the office.”
However, the Alaafin-designate is also expected to spend about 30 days in seclusion before the coronation as confirmed by Afonja to Vanguard News.
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When asked if the new Alaafin did not contravene the tradition by travelling abroad during seclusion, the Head of Oyo princes told Vanguard News: “He has collected only the certificate, he is yet to undergo all the necessary rites.
“When he comes, he will go into seclusion.
“When he is back in the country, he will enter Ipebi (seclusion) and while in Ipebi, the new Alaafin will go through all necessary rites as preparation for the coronation which will come up in April.
“He will spend almost 30 days in Ipebi.
“He will undergo many lessons and tutelage.
“He will begin the rites soon.”
Owoade was reported to have left for Canada a day after receiving the instruments of office from Makinde and driving straight to Oyo town where he was received by a tumultuous crowd.
The Alaafin-designate was said to have returned to Canada to officially disengage from his workplaces.
The Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and President of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada, is the Project Coordinator at one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada, Manitoba Hydro.