The media team to the new Alaafin of Oyo has condemned a media report that accused the new monarch of abandoning the traditional rites midway.
A member of the team, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, said the media report was not only misleading but also grossly mischievous, noting that the headline is intentionally slanted to be at variance with the body of the story, which he said is unfair to the Alaafin throne.
Explaining the situation, Durojaiye said the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, could not have put on hold the traditional rites he had not started, which he said the author of the media report also acknowledged in the body of the story.
He stressed that Oba Owoade has not started the traditional rites that will lead to his coronation on April 4, 2025, and as such he couldn’t have abandoned it midway for Canada.
He added that the Oyo state government is sufficiently aware of the movement and whereabouts of the Alaafin, adding that the state government is being adequately carried along and in agreement on this issue and others.
He noted that traditional rites can not be suspended or put on hold once the process commences.
Explaining the imperative of the trip, Durojaiye said the monarch’s trip is within the timeframe allowed by his coronation on April 4, 2025.
He said Oba Owoade only returned to his Canada base to officially put things in proper order in his workplaces and other engagements in abroad.
“This is not only misleading, but also grossly mischievous. The headline is intentionally slanted to be at variance with the body of the story, which is unfair to the Alaafin Throne,” he said.
“Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade couldn’t have put on hold the traditional rites he has not started. The Punch even confirmed this in its report: ‘Ten days after receiving the staff of office and certificate of appointment from Governor Seyi Makinde, the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has yet to begin the month-long traditional rites to pave the way for his coronation.’
“I wish to state categorically and emphatically that Oba Owoade has not started the traditional rites that will lead to his coronation on April 4, 2025. So he couldn’t have abandoned it midway for Canada.
“More so, the Oyo state government is sufficiently aware of the movement and whereabouts of the Alaafin. The state government is being adequately carried along and in agreement on this issue and others.
“Let it be known that traditional rites can’t be suspended or put on hold once the process commences. Tradition does not permit that. It must be completed. It cannot be shifted or broken.
“Kabiyesi’s trip is within the timeframe allowed by his coronation on April 4, 2025.
“Oba Owoade only returned to his Canada base to officially put things in proper order in his workplaces and other engagements in Canada.”
He assured the people of the ancient town that the monarch’s absence was not in sync with the reality on the ground, urging media practitioners to apply caution while reporting matters concerning culture and tradition, especially Obaship.
