Alaafin of Oyo’s Media Team Debunks Claims of Abandoned Traditional Rites
The media team of the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that the monarch abandoned traditional rites midway through the process. Speaking with NEWS REVIEW, Bode Durojaiye, a prominent team member, described the reports as “misleading and alarmingly deceptive.”
“This headline is designed to mislead the public and misrepresent the esteemed Alaafin throne,” Durojaiye stated, pointing out that the article’s content contradicts its sensational headline.
Durojaiye clarified that Oba Owoade has not yet begun the traditional rites for his coronation, slated for April 4, 2025. “It is impossible for the Alaafin to abandon rites he has not even started,” he said, citing the publication’s acknowledgment of the timeline.
He reassured the public that the Oyo State Government is fully aware of the monarch’s plans and supports his decisions. “Once the rites begin, they must be completed without interruption as dictated by tradition,” he explained.
Durojaiye also addressed the Alaafin’s recent trip to Canada, emphasizing its necessity. “Oba Owoade returned to Canada to manage professional responsibilities and ensure everything is in order ahead of his coronation,” he said.
He urged the media to handle matters of cultural and traditional significance with greater care, warning that misrepresentation undermines societal values. “We must respect our rich heritage. Misleading reports only serve to weaken our cultural identity,” he emphasized.
Durojaiye called on the people of Oyo and beyond to rally behind Oba Owoade, stating, “Let us unite to support our new monarch in the significant tasks ahead. Your involvement is invaluable.”
