The Alaafin-elect, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has now arrived in Oyo Town to begin his coronation rites.

His media aide, Bode Durojaiye, who confirmed this to The Guardian, yesterday, said the monarch arrived in Nigeria from Canada on Wednesday night.

According to him, he was received in Oyo Town by some kingmakers and Obas at Motunde Village, Oyo State.

He was also received by a mammoth crowd of Oyo residents at Owode and Akesan Market.

Motunde is the boundary between Ibadan and Afijio in Oyo where some past Alaafins were met by the high chiefs and ushered into the ancient town for coronation rites.

Durojaiye had earlier said: “Alaafin slept in Lagos on Wednesday and he was billed to leave Lagos on Thursday. He must be on his way and close to where some kingmakers and Obas in Oyo are waiting to receive him.

“Motunde Village is a town along the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway. It is the boundary between Ibadan and Afijio in Oyo. That is where Alaafin would be met and escorted to Oyo Town. Among those waiting to receive him are the Samu of Oyo, Lamidi Oyewale; the Baba Iyaji, Mukaila Afonja; the recently installed Obas in Oyo Town, including the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adeoye, as well as many other well-wishers, including the Alaafin’s family members.

“Upon his arrival in Oyo, the Alaafin will first visit his Agure Compound around Ajagba and see his father’s burial ground, as well as greet his family members. He will leave there for his house at Boroboro, very close to the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Town.

“A mammoth crowd of Oyo residents are eagerly waiting at Owode and Akesan Market to receive their Oba and welcome him to the ancient palace. He will thereafter commence the traditional coronation rites at Ipebi after which Governor Seyi Makinde will crown him on April 5, 2025, in Oyo Town.”