The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has landed at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State from Canada.

Owoade, who was spotted by reporters on Wednesday, arrived with his wife and was welcomed by the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, amidst a funfair from traditional dancers and drummers.

The new Alaafin recently received the certificate of appointment and staff of office as the 46th monarch of the ancient town from Governor Seyi Makinde.

Recall that Owoade’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said that all is set for the mandatory rites, noting that as part of the processes, Alaafin Owoade would visit a number of houses to offer sacrifices, make appeasements, and even carry out some night rites.

According to the media aid, after performing the traditional rites at some traditional homes in Oyo town, the new Alaafin will then enter Ipebi, which is called seclusion, for the conclusion of the traditional rites within a secluded part of the Alaafin palace.

He explained further that the ancestral rituals to be done during Ipebi would be the crescendo of rituals before the monarch is crowned Alaafin.

The media aide added that the sacredness of the Alaafin institution was one of the few reasons why the Oyo traditional monarchy system and values have gathered so much respect and admiration over the years.

“The institution inspires nothing short of reverence. The legendary feats of the Titan of Yorubaland in times past were blessings of oral history, with in-depth documentation of historical accomplishments.

“However, in continuation of the governor’s four weeks’ directive to conduct the coronation, the traditional rites will be concluded before then,” he assured.