Makinde demands diligence as Oyo gears up for Alaafin’s coronation
The Oyo State government, on Monday, inaugurated a committee for the coronation of Oba Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
A statement issued on Monday from the office of the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said, “Governor Seyi Makinde expects everyone involved in the coronation to be diligent and show maximum support for the success of the event.”
It revealed that the coronation committee has had its inaugural meeting presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters,. Ademola Ojo.
The inauguration marks the beginning of preparations for the traditional coronation ceremony, which will strictly follow the customs and traditions of the Oyo people.
The committee includes key state officials such as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo and the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
Representatives from the Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Oyo constituencies, Gbenga Oyekola from Atiba State Constituency; Rahman Olorunpoto from Oyo East/Oyo West Constituency and Oladeji Oparinde from Afijio Constituency, formed part of the committee.
Also, the chairmen of the four local government areas in Oyo, Akeem Olukitibi (Oyo West); Wahab Adetunji (Atiba); Sola Oluokun (Oyo East) and Olufemi Aikomo (Afijio), were on the committee.
Seven family members of Oba Owoade, religious leaders and other stakeholders also made membership of the committee.
The PUNCH reports that Oba Owoade was officially presented with the staff of office and instrument of office by Governor Seyi Makinde on January 13, 2025.
His selection followed nearly three years of disagreement between the state government and the Oyomesi over the choice of a new monarch.
Having travelled to Canada to finalise his relocation and begin traditional rites, the new Alaafin, on January 29, 2025, dissolved an unauthorised coronation committee allegedly set up by a group without his approval.
In a statement made available to The PUNCH in Ibadan, the monarch warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated.
He stressed that any committee or event related to his coronation must receive prior approval from his office.
In a statement issued from the office of the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the inaugural meeting of the committee was led by Ojo.
In the inaugural meeting of the official committee, led by Ojo, Oyelade noted that Makinde’s administration had successfully conducted coronation ceremonies for 10 kings and 40 baales in the last five years.
