By OYO TOWN – 5 April 2025: As the historic coronation of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo, takes place today, distinguished Yoruba scholar and spiritual elder, Professor Wande Abimbola, has declared the installation rites of the new monarch “smooth and satisfactory,” praising the process as one steeped in tradition and divine order.
In an exclusive interview with Saturday Tribune, the Awise Awo Agbaye — former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), former Senate Leader of the Nigerian Senate, and an indigene of Oyo — confirmed that “about 13 separate Ipebi rites have been successfully carried out.” According to him, “The process of the rites has been very smooth and satisfactory. Glory be to God. We have also seen how so well-organised the rites have been.”
Professor Abimbola, a globally respected authority on Yoruba religion and culture, used the opportunity to advise other towns seeking to uphold traditional rites in kingship transitions.
Oba Abimbola Owoade
“If we follow the right procedures at every turn in our affairs, we will always achieve the right results,” he said.
He lamented the growing disregard for Ifa, the Yoruba divination system, among some Yoruba people due to the influence of foreign religions.
“In the past, throughout Yorubaland, the selection of kings rested solely with the Ifa oracle,” he said, noting that deviation from this practice began in the 1950s.
On the divinatory signs revealed during the rites, the Awise shared compelling omens witnessed during the Ipebi, where Oba Owoade thrice selected igba oyin (honey-bearing calabash) from among identical vessels containing different contents.
“He chose honey every time. This indicates that life under the new Alaafin will be sweet like honey,” he said. Additionally, during rites at the House of Ogun, kola nuts were cast seven times, and each time, “positivity was announced.”
Responding to those who question the historical role of Ifa in the selection of the Alaafin, Abimbola dismissed such claims, asserting, “None of those making that argument was here before me. How many Alaafin have they seen ascend the throne?”
He extended words of encouragement to the new Alaafin: “My advice to our father, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu, is that he should entertain no fear. The entire Oyo stands by him, for the process of his ascension was free from bribery. Ifa has chosen him; Ifa has picked him.”
To the Queen, or Olori, he offered a message of peace and unity, expressing that all children of Oyo — whether Christian, Muslim, or followers of traditional beliefs — must work together for cultural preservation. “We do not abandon a misbehaving child to the tiger for destruction,” he remarked poignantly.
Turning to Oyo’s traditional council, Professor Abimbola issued a heartfelt plea to the Bashorun and other chiefs yet to pay homage to the new monarch. “Let us all put aside our differences and rally around the chosen one… They should sheathe their swords and avoid turning this matter into a do-or-die situation.”
With over 120 contenders for the revered throne, he emphasised the legitimacy of the chosen Alaafin. “The choice of Ifa was that of a truly remarkable individual. He has passed every test, and in terms of integrity, he is without blemish.”
In closing, the Awise reaffirmed his commitment to peace and Yoruba unity: “All I seek is peace in our time… It will be well for us all.”
As Oyo welcomes a new era under Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the echoes of tradition, unity, and spiritual affirmation ring strong through the voice of one of its most revered custodians
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