By Adeyinka Adeniran
The people of Oyo Town were in jubilant mood on Monday as they warmly welcomed the new Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade to the ancient city for the first time, following the presentation of instruments of office to him by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Owoade became the 46th Alaafin of Oyo after more than two years of the death of late Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi.
The atmosphere in the town was electric as residents and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the significant amoment in their history.
In preparation for the royal arrival, all markets, including the historic Akesan Market were closed.
Residents positioned themselves along the major roads leading to both the palace and the family house of the monarch located in Agure, eager to catch a glimpse of their new monarch.
Speaking, the Iyaloja of Oyo, Alhaja Adijat Bakare, explained that the suspension of trading activities was in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Oyo people.
“This is a momentous occasion for us, and it is essential to honour our new Oba in line with our cultural practices.”
Alhaja Bakare, along 
with other market women, expressed their excitement about welcoming the new monarch.
They emphasised that Oba Owoade is regarded as an important symbol of honour and unity in Oyo.
“We are thrilled to have a new Alaafin who embodies the values and traditions we hold dear. His reign is expected to bring peace and prosperity to our town,” she added.
As the procession unfolded, the streets were filled with colorful displays of traditional attire, drumming, and dancing, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The sense of unity among the residents was palpable, as they gathered to celebrate not just the new Alaafin but the hopes and aspirations they have for the future of Oyo Town.
The celebrations are expected to continue throughout the week, with various cultural events planned to honour the new monarch and reinforce the bonds of community among the people of the ancient town.
The popular Akesan market and other markets in the ancient town were also shutdown in honour of the new monarch.
Prince Owoade was accompanied to the ancient town with heavy security including men of the Operation Burst, Police, Civil Defense and Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun.
Prince Owoade who drove in to the town in black GWagon arrived Owode around 1:50pm and was received by notable sons and daughters of the land.
Upon his arrival, the traditional rites for the Alaafin designate has commenced. It was gathered that the new Alaafin will be in seclusion for 21 days after which the official coronation as 46th Alaafin will hold.
Speaking when contacted, the Baba Iyaji Oyo (the head of all Princes), High Chief Mukaila Afonja said it was too late for anyone to be aggrieved about the selection of Owoade as the next Alaafin.
He said the entire town has showed its acceptance of the choice by trooping out to welcome and receive him into the town amidst fanfare and jubilation.
Afonja is the first point of call for any one who is interested in the Alaafin stool. He receives their application letter, process and screen the letters before passing to the Oyomesi for onward processing.
Speaking with The Nation, the revered Chief confirmed that the new Alaafin was one of those who applied to occupy the stool and even came personally to visit drop the letter at the time.
He urged the new monarch to show true fatherly spirit by accommodation all interest and forgiving all those who might have done anything wrong.
Effort to speak with the head of the Oyomesi, the Bashorun proved futile as at the time of this report. Reaching his lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju also did not yield result as his line was not going through.
