New Alaafin gets staff of office, set to commence 21-day traditional rites

PUNCH

The Alaafin of Oyo-elect, Oba Abimbola Owoade, is set to commence a 21-day traditional rites as the new monarch of the town.

The state governor, Seyi Makinde, announced Owoade as the new monarch of the ancient Yoruba community on Friday. On Monday, he presented him with the staff of office.

He succeeded the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away three years ago.

The ceremony had the kingmakers, otherwise known as Oyomesi, top government functionaries, and eminent personalities from the state in attendance.

Following the presentation, a source who craved anonymity revealed to PUNCH Online that the new Alaafin has headed to Oyo town, where he is expected to be received by his subjects, adding that his 21 days of traditional rites for the ascension to the throne would begin immediately.

“Oba Owoade has headed to Oyo town to meet the sons and daughters of Oyo town and would proceed for his mandatory 21 days traditional rites for the ascension to the throne of his forefathers,” he said.

Details later…

THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN PUNCH