11th February 2025
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has set up a 97-member local organising committee to oversee preparations for his coronation, scheduled for April 5, 2025.
A statement from the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, announced former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Kunle Ogunmola, as the committee chairman, with Adediwura Owoade as vice chairman. Other notable members include President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Protocol, Victor Adeleke; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; two senior members of the Oyomesi, High Chiefs Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin) and Lamidi Oyewale (Saamu); former Oyo Central Senator, Monsurat Sunmonu; current senator for the district, Dr. Yunus Akintunde; and House of Representatives member, Akeem Adeyemi.
Traditional rulers on the committee include High Chief Samuel Olu Odurinde (Alajagba), High Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji), and High Chief Isiaka Tella (Ona ‘Sokun), among others. Also appointed were representatives from security agencies, local government chairpersons, religious leaders, market leaders, and professionals from various sectors.
The committee will collaborate with the 25-member state government committee, led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, to ensure a well-organized and culturally significant coronation.
Oba Owoade had earlier disowned a self-appointed group claiming to be in charge of the event and assured that he would personally announce the official planning committee.
The newly formed committee will be inaugurated on February 12 at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo, with the goal of delivering a grand and seamless coronation that highlights the rich heritage of Yoruba culture.
