New Era Begins: Oyo’s market leader, Princess Abeo congratulates Alaafin on completion of 21-day Ipebi rites

Oyo born market leader, Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen, has congratulated the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, on successfully completing his 21 day Ipebi rites on Sunday.

In a congratulatory message on Monday, Princess Abeo, who was installed as Iyaloja General for Oyo state by all Obas in the state led by late Alaafin of Oyo and Permanent Chairman, Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba(Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, prayed for the new Alaafin’s long, peaceful, and blessed reign.

She described Oba Owoade’s appointment as a historic moment bringing pride and joy to Oyo sons and daughters globally.

According to Princess Abeo, the Alaafin throne, which has its roots in our common Yoruba history, is about to embark on a new era of promise under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade.

She charged the new Alaafin to prioritize unity, innovation, and collective progress, preserving Yoruba heritage while charting a visionary path forward.

In her words: “I want to congratulate His Imperial Majesty, Ikú Bàbá Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo, for completing his 21-day Ipebi rituals successfully on Saturday.

“The throne of Oyo unquestionably serves as a focal point for the Yoruba people, symbolising not just the resilience of our past but also the limitless potential for cooperation, creativity, and group advancement in the current day.

“I have no doubt that you will make a significant contribution to the legacy of excellence that the Alaafin’s throne represents.

“In addition to wishing Kabiyesi a peaceful reign and divine wisdom, I also hope that his official coronation on Saturday, May 5, 2025, will be successful.

“Baba mi, e Ku irin, e Ku aruso!
E e ru u re, e e so o re. Ki ade o pe l’ori, ki bata pe l’ese. May your reign bring enduring blessings to Oyo and beyond.”

Recall that that on April 6, 2021, Princess Abeo Folashade was appointed Iyaloja General by the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

This was in response to a letter sent to the monarch on March 14, 2021, by the Oyo State Market Leaders Joint Working Committee, in which eight (8) of twelve (12) different cluster groups, representing Oyo State’s artisans, technicians, and traders, endorsed Princess Azeezat Folashade Abeo Nurudeen.

However, last year, June 24, 2024, the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, ordered Alhaja Saratu Aduke and Princess Afolashade Abeo to stop identifying themselves as the Iyaloja-general of the state.

Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry, and Cooperative, Otunba Ademola Ojo conveyed the governor’s message to an expanded stakeholders’ council of the market leaders.

The governor told the duo to refrain from parading themselves as such pending when a final resolution would be reached and a name officially announced by the government.

The commissioner assured that the order was in line with the governor’s vision for sustainable peace in the state particularly within the market leaders council in his administration’s drive for market development.

With this new development in Oyo town, there are possible indications that the new Alaafin may wish to sustain the legacy of the late Alaafin by recognizing Princess Abeo Nurudeen.