Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, has broken his silence, sharing the remarkable story of how he became the monarch of the historic Yoruba kingdom.
In a detailed interview by Nigerian Tribune, the king recounted the surprising and humbling journey that led to his ascension to the throne.
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Oba Owoade’s path to the revered throne of Oyo was not shaped by political maneuvering or family ties, but rather by the ancient and sacred process of Ifa divination, which holds immense significance in Yoruba culture.
His selection came as a surprise, and the monarch revealed that he first learned about it while he was in Canada, far away from the political and cultural bustle of Nigeria.
Describing the moment he heard the news, Oba Owoade shared how he received a message from his younger brother while he was abroad.
“I was sleeping and when I woke up, I decided to check my phone. The next thing, I received a message from my younger brother. The message he sent was a link… I clicked on the link and the headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect,’” he recalled with a mix of surprise and disbelief.
For Oba Owoade, the news came as both a shock and a humbling experience.
“It was a moment I never expected. To learn about such an important development in my life while in Canada was surreal, and I’m grateful to God and to the people of Oyo for their trust,” he said.
One of the key points Oba Owoade highlighted was the commitment to tradition and cultural processes during his selection.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde, who ensured that political interests did not interfere with the traditional method of selecting the Alaafin.
According to Oba Owoade, this respect for Yoruba traditions was vital in ensuring the legitimacy of his selection.
The king also addressed rumours that he had engaged in extravagant spending during the process, clarifying that he had only given customary gifts as is tradition in Yoruba culture.
He emphasized that his rise to the throne was not due to any financial influence but was instead rooted in cultural integrity and divine guidance.
Oba Owoade’s journey to the throne was marked by his time in Ipebi, the traditional seclusion period for the Alaafin-elect.
Reflecting on this transformative experience, the monarch revealed how the time spent in seclusion deepened his understanding of Oyo’s rich history, its politics, and the essence of Yoruba culture.
“I learnt a lot of lessons. It is a place of lifelong lessons. Traditional historians came around and they told me stories about Oyo and the politics of Oyo and Yorubaland in its entirety,” Oba Owoade shared.
The Ipebi period, he said, helped him understand the weight of the throne and the deep responsibilities that come with leading the Oyo Kingdom.
Looking forward, Oba Owoade expressed his commitment to the people of Oyo and his dedication to upholding the legacies of past Alaafins, including the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who reigned for over 50 years.
The newly crowned monarch pledged to continue the good work done by his predecessors and ensure that Oyo thrives through unity and good governance.
“I believe that, with the people’s cooperation, we can cover miles because Agbajo owo ni a fi n so’ya, owo kan o gb’eru d’ori. I embrace all religions. The Yoruba say Iwa l’esin. Your connection with your God matters more than the number of times you display religiosity,” Oba Owoade remarked.
Oba Owoade’s ascension to the throne marks a new chapter in the rich history of the Oyo Kingdom.
His reign follows the passing of the revered Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who held the title of Alaafin for over five decades.
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