The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has received a colourful traditional welcome from Nigerians in Melbourne, Australia, with members of the Yoruba community turning out in cultural attire to receive the monarch.

A video circulating on social media on Thursday, 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.

Several people presented bouquets of flowers, while others recorded his arrival with their mobile phones. A woman dressed in matching purple attire was also seen accompanying 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 vehicle.

The reception reflected Yoruba traditional customs, under which people kneel to pay respect to the Alaafin, one of the 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, following his selection as the successor to the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

His arrival in Australia has brought the cultural institution of the Oyo Kingdom before members of the Yoruba diaspora in the country.

Source: https://punchng.com/video-alaafin-receives-colourful-welcome-from-nigerians-in-australia/