The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Akeem Owoade, has officially announced his royal title, a significant step in his ascension to the revered throne.
In a statement from the palace on Tuesday, the monarch-elect declared that he will be formally addressed as His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.
The announcement comes as Owoade undergoes the traditional 21-day rites, known as Oro Opebi, a crucial ritual in the transition to his new role.
The palace stated that the official title must be used exactly as stated, including the Roman numeral “I” after his surname, signifying his place as the first Alaafin of Oyo with that name.
“The number after Owoade is the Roman Numeral One (I), not the English Number One (1). The public is enjoined to adhere strictly to the correct wording without any modifications,” the statement read.
The directive is intended to maintain the historical and cultural significance of the Alaafin’s title, a name deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition.
