By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Alaafin of Oyo’s Palace has debunked media reports that the coronation of the monarch may be jeopardized by the unknown whereabouts of Osun monarch.
According to the report, it was said that the traditional rites of the coronation will not be completed without the reigning Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State presenting a new Alaafin with a sword of authority before ascending the throne.
The Palace through one of the media aides, Bode Durojaiye said thr story was not only aimed at fanning embers of discord and pandemonium in the town, but calculated attempt to scuttle the coronation ceremony.
He said the report is a distortion and misrepresentation of historical facts about Oyo traditional monarchy, adding that, there is no history traceable to the linkage of Ipetumodu monarch in the Alaafin’s ascension to the throne, let alone the presentation of a sword of authority from the reigning Ipetumodu monarch before the coronation.
He said “The attention of the media team to the Alaafin elect, Oba Akeem Abimbola Akanni Owoade has been drawn to a malicious report in an online medium captioned, ‘Alaafin’s coronation in jeopardy over unknown whereabouts of Osun monarch’.
“In the fabricated story, it was reported that indigenes of Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State are worried by the prolonged absence of their monarch from the country.
“It stated that they fear that his absence since 2024 could mar the coronation of the new Alaafin of Oyo. The story went further, ‘tradition demands that a new Alaafin must receive a sword of authority from the reigning Ipetumodu monarch before he can ascend the throne’.
“The wicked, false and baseless story was not only aimed at fanning embers of discord, and pandemonium in the town, but calculated attempt to scuttle the coronation ceremony.
“It was also a distortion and misrepresentation of historical facts about Oyo traditional monarchy, as there is no history traceable to the linkage of Ipetumodu monarch in the Alaafin’s ascension to the throne, let alone the presentation of a sword of authority from the reigning Ipetumodu monarch before the coronation.”
Giving the process of the traditional rite Durojaiye said “For record purpose, the facts of history is that processes of traditional rites preparatory to the Alaafin’s coronation begins with the monarch’s visitations to residences of Baba Iyaji (Head of Royal families), Ona Isokun (a royal chief ) Ona Onimole (Alaafin’s chief herbalist) and Ona Mogba Sango at Akesan market area where the Paramount Ruler will be spiritually fortified.
“Thereafter, the Royal Father proceeded to the Palace for the main rites ( Ipebi).
“After leaving Ipebi, the Alaafin elect will go to Koso where he will receive the ancient crowns.
“There is a particular house in Ajagba area from where the Alaafin elect will receive a sword of authority, after which coronation ceremony shall take place.
He said further, “However, misinformation is spreading false and misleading information often with intentional deception go cause harm.
“In an age where information travels rapidly through social media, news outlets, and online platforms, misinformation can easily reach and influence a vast audience, shaping opinions, and behaviours.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the online report as there is no iota of truth in it.
“Now is the time for every indigene of Oyo town to be wary of subterranean moves by the fifth columnists whose solace is to ignite anger, mistrust in relationships and retard progress and development for egoistic desires.”
