The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has received a traditional welcome from Nigerians in Melbourne, Australia, with members of the Yoruba community turning out in colourful cultural attire to receive the monarch.
A video circulating on social media showed the 46th Alaafin arriving at Melbourne Airport, where a crowd of well-wishers, many dressed in aso-oke, gathered to honour him.
Some members of the crowd were seen kneeling as the monarch, dressed in a purple embroidered agbada, coral beads and carrying a traditional staff, walked through the airport's arrivals hall.
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Several people presented bouquets of flowers, while others recorded his arrival with mobile phones. A woman dressed in matching purple attire also accompanied the monarch.
The reception continued outside the terminal, where a black vehicle was waiting to convey the traditional ruler. A man dressed in striped aso-oke was seen assisting him as he entered the car.
The welcome reflected Yoruba traditional customs, under which people kneel to show respect to the Alaafin, one of the most prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
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.
His arrival in Australia has brought the cultural institution of the Oyo Kingdom before members of the Yoruba diaspora in the country.
However, details of the purpose of the monarch's visit, his hosts and the duration of his stay were not immediately available. No official statement from the palace had been issued on the visit as of the time of filing this report.
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