The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has received a colourful traditional reception from members of the Yoruba community in Melbourne, Australia, as Nigerians in the country gathered to welcome the monarch.
A video circulating on social media on Thursday showed the 46th Alaafin arriving at Melbourne Airport, where a crowd of Nigerians, dressed in traditional Yoruba attire, assembled to honour him.
Some members of the welcoming party were seen kneeling in reverence as the monarch, adorned in a purple embroidered agbada and coral beads, walked through the airport’s arrivals hall with a traditional staff.
Others presented him with bouquets of flowers, while several people captured the moment with their mobile phones.
A woman dressed in a matching purple outfit was also seen accompanying the traditional ruler during his arrival.
The reception extended to the exterior of the airport terminal, where a black vehicle was positioned to convey the monarch.
A man wearing striped aso-oke was seen assisting Oba Owoade as he made his way into the waiting vehicle, amid the warm reception from the Yoruba community.
The colourful display reflected Yoruba cultural traditions, particularly the practice of kneeling to show respect to the Alaafin, a prominent traditional ruler in Yorubaland and custodian of the cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.
Oba Owoade is the 46th occupant of the Alaafin stool.
He received his certificate of appointment and Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, after being selected to succeed the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
His arrival in Australia has provided an opportunity for members of the Yoruba diaspora to celebrate the traditional institution and its cultural significance.
However, details of the purpose of the monarch’s visit, the identity of his hosts and the duration of his stay were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.
The palace had also not issued an official statement regarding the visit.
