Alaafin Yet To Begin Traditional Rites, He’ll Go Into Seclusion On Arrival, Says Afonja

After reports surfaced indicating that the Alaafin-elect, Prince Akeem Owoade, had postponed the traditional rites typically associated with the coronation of a new Alaafin, Chief Mukaila Afonja, the Head of Oyo Princes, clarified yesterday that the new Alaafin had not yet started any seclusion rites.

He assured that the normal rites that all Alaafin usually undergo will start immediately after the 46th Alaafin comes back from Canada.

He said this while speaking with Vanguard in a telephone interview.

Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had presented a certificate and a staff of office to the new Alaafin at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office.

The governor also said all those who were trying to disturb the selection process by allegedly collecting money would be prosecuted.

Following the presentation, some kingmakers who had earlier nominated Prince Luqman Gbadegesin faulted the selection process through their counsel, Mr Adekunle Sobaloju(SAN) adding that the governor should approach the court instead of accusing the Oyo Mesi in the public.

On arrival in Oyo after the presentation ceremony, the Alaafin-elect was warmly received by a large crowd of Oyo indigenes.

Just when many people believed that the new monarch had started some royal rites preparatory to his installation, it was gathered that he had travelled to Canada to properly finalize his resignation from his place of work.

Clarifying the issue, Chief Afonja, said the 46th Alaafin has collected only the certificate and the staff of the office noting that seclusion rites will be done anytime he is back in the country.

When asked if the new Alaafin had not contravened the tradition by travelling abroad during seclusion, he said, “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”.

When Vanguard contacted another source in the ancient city, he ruled out the insinuations that the Ifa Priests and other traditionalists were reluctant to perform the rites for the new monarch.

He said, “Since modernity has usurped the role of the traditionalists in some areas, we have to make some adjustments. In the olden days, once a king had been picked, he would immediately go into mandatory seclusion which is 21 days and would not go out until he performed all the rites. After that, the coronation ceremony and presentation of staff and certificate can follow”.