The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has officially announced the formation of a 97-member Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to oversee the planning and execution of his upcoming coronation. The committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in a ceremony at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo.
According to a statement from the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, the committee is tasked with ensuring a seamless and dignified coronation event. The committee is to be led by Kunle Ogunmola, a former Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who will serve as Chairman.
Osuntola emphasized the importance of the occasion, highlighting that it will bring together stakeholders from across the Yoruba region and beyond. The coronation is set to serve as a platform for unity and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The 97 members of the committee include distinguished individuals from various sectors, including traditional rulers, politicians, community leaders, and cultural representatives. Key figures named in the statement include High Chiefs, lawmakers, and representatives from the Amotekun security network, among others.
In addition to the formation of the LOC, a smaller 25-member committee had already been inaugurated by the state government in Ibadan to assist in the overall planning of the event. The Alaafin’s LOC will work closely with this committee, as well as with the committee established by Governor Seyi Makinde, to ensure the event is executed flawlessly.
The coronation, scheduled for April 5, 2025, is expected to be a historic occasion that will not only celebrate the new monarch but also honor the cultural traditions of the Yoruba people. The 97-member committee’s appointment underscores the significance of the event and the dedication to delivering a well-organized, inclusive celebration.
The collaboration between various stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and cultural representatives, is anticipated to bring together all elements necessary for an unforgettable and successful coronation ceremony.
