Residents welcome 46th Alaafin to Oyo town amid pomp and circumstance
There were jubilations on Monday in Oyo town as elated residents warmly welcomed the new Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade to the ancient city for the first time, following the presentation of instruments of office to him by Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan, the state capital.
Owoade emerged the 46th Alaafin of Oyo two years after the demise of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi.
In preparation for the arrival of the new monarch, all markets, including the historic Akesan market were closed, as residents lined the major roads leading to the palace and the family house of the monarch located in Agure, eager to catch a glimpse of the new Alaafin.
The Iyaloja of Oyo, Alhaja Adijat Bakare, said that the closure of the markets was in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Oyo people.
“This is a momentous occasion for us, and it is essential to honour our new Oba in line with our cultural practices,” she said.
Bakare, with other market women, expressed excitement while welcoming the new monarch.
They emphasised that Oba Owoade is regarded as an important symbol of honour and unity in Oyo.
“We are thrilled to have a new Alaafin who embodies the values and traditions we hold dear. His reign is expected to bring peace and prosperity to our town,” she added.
As the procession unfolded, the streets were filled with colorful displays of traditional attires, drumming and dancing, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The sense of unity among the residents was palpable, as they gathered to celebrate not just the new Alaafin but the hopes and aspirations for the future of Oyo town.
The celebrations are expected to continue throughout the week with various cultural events to honour the new monarch and reinforce the bonds of community among the people of the ancient town.
Owoade was accompanied to the ancient town with heavy security, including men of the Operation Burst, Police, Civil Defence and Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed, Amotekun.
The monarch, who drove into the town in black GWagon, arrived Owode around 1:50pm and was received by notable sons and daughters.
Upon his arrival, the traditional rites commenced. It was gathered that the new Alaafin will be in seclusion for 21 days after which the official coronation as 46th Alaafin will hold.
Baba Iyaji Oyo (the head of all Princes), High Chief Mukaila Afonja, said it was too late for anyone to be aggrieved about the selection of Owoade as the Alaafin.
He said the entire town have shown acceptance by trooping out to welcome and receive him into the town amidst fanfare and jubilation.
Afonja is the first point of call for any one who is interested in the Alaafin stool.
He receives their application letter, processes and screens the letters before passing them to the Oyomesi for onward processing.