Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been appointed as the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the coronation of the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I.
The 97-member LOC, approved by the monarch, will collaborate with the committee earlier established by the Oyo State Government to ensure a smooth coronation ceremony scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Oyo town.
In a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin, Rotimi Osuntola, the palace disclosed: “His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Engr. Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, has approved the establishment of the Local Organising Coronation Committee to oversee the successful coordination of activities marking his ascension to the throne.”
According to the statement, the LOC is tasked with ensuring seamless planning and execution in conjunction with the state government’s committee.
Osuntola further revealed that the inaugural meeting of all committee members is slated for February 12, 2025, at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo. He emphasized the significance of the coronation, describing it as a momentous event aimed at fostering unity in Yorubaland and attracting participation from stakeholders within and beyond the region.
“The ultimate goal is to deliver an all-inclusive, epoch-making, grand, and hitch-free coronation that proudly showcases the rich Yoruba cultural heritage to the world,” he stated.
Committee Members
Alongside Ogunmola, the LOC includes Prince Owoade Adediwura as Vice Chairman, Prince Owoade Olayide, Prince Owoade Kazeem Ayoade, Prince Owoade Tolani, Prince Owoade Taiwo, and Princess Azees Fatimo (née Owoade). Other key members are Rotimi Osuntola, Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, and the Chief of Protocol to the Oyo State Government, Amb. Victor Adekunle Adeleke.
Also listed are High Chiefs of Oyo, including Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo), Lamidi Oye Wale (Basaamu of Oyo), Samuel Olu Odurinde (Alajagba), Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji), Isiaka Tella (Ona ‘Sokun), Ganiyu Ajiboye (Oloja of Ago Oja), Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo), and Taiwo Olabanji (Baale Onigbanla of Gbanla).
The committee extends its membership to representatives of key political and community figures such as Senator Akintunde Yunus, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi (Skimeh), Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, Hon. Prince Oladeji Oparinde, Hon. Segun Taiwo, and Prince Akeem Owoade Ayelabola.
Stakeholders and Security Personnel
Representatives from various sectors have been included, such as the Zonal Commandant of Amotekun, FRSC officials, Fire Service personnel, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps representatives, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) from Atiba, Oyo-West, Oyo-East, and Afijio Local Government Areas. Officials from the Department of State Services (DSS) and park management representatives also form part of the committee.
The LOC further accommodates cultural and business representatives, including leaders from Hausa, Fulani, Togolese, Sabe, and Igbo communities. Additionally, delegates from the textile industry, particularly Aso-Oke weavers and Adire (tie-and-dye) traders, are incorporated into the committee’s structure.
As preparations intensify ahead of the April 5 coronation, the LOC is expected to work diligently to ensure an event that befits the status of the Alaafin and the cultural significance of Oyo town.
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