Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has officially announced a 97-member local organizing committee to oversee preparations for his coronation, scheduled for April 5, 2025.

In a statement released by his Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, the monarch named former INEC Commissioner, Kunle Ogunmola, as the committee chairman, with Adediwura Owoade as vice chairman.

According to Naija News, prominent figures in the committee include Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol to President Bola Tinubu; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Oyomesi members High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Saamu); former Oyo Central Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; current Oyo Central Senator Dr. Yunus Akintunde; and House of Representatives member Akeem Adeyemi.

Traditional Rulers and Notable Members

The committee also comprises key traditional rulers, including:

High Chief Samuel Olu Odurinde (Alajagba)

High Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji)

High Chief Isiaka Tella (Ona ‘Sokun)

High Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye (Oloja of Ago Oja)

High Chief Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo)

High Chief Taiwo Olabanji (Baale Onigbanla of Gbanla)

Additionally, Gbenga Eko, representing the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, is part of the committee.

Other members include Olayide Owoade, Ayoade Owoade, Tolani Owoade, Taiwo Owoade, Azeez Fatimo (née Owoade), and Rotimi Osuntola.

Also listed are Oyo State House of Assembly members Gbenga Oyekola, Olorunpoto Rahaman, and Oladeji Oparinde, along with representatives from security agencies, local government chairmen, and professional bodies.

Collaboration With Oyo State Government

The committee will work alongside the 25-member committee earlier set up by the Oyo State government, led by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Ademola Ojo.

Oba Owoade had previously warned against an unauthorized committee falsely claiming to organize the coronation, reassuring the public that he had personally selected an official committee for the historic event.

The 97-member committee is scheduled for inauguration on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Osuntola stated:

“This momentous occasion aims to unite Yoruba land, encouraging the active participation of stakeholders from 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.”

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The Alaafin-designate, Prince Akeem Owoade, has not yet begun the traditional rites that typically precede the coronation of a new Alaafin, according to Chief Mukaila Afonja, Head of Oyo Princes.

This follows reports suggesting that the traditional seclusion rites had been postponed. Afonja clarified that these rites will commence as soon as the 46th Alaafin returns from his trip to Canada.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Vanguard, Afonja emphasized that the new Alaafin had only received the certificate and staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde at the Executive Chamber.

These ceremonial items mark the beginning of the official process, but the crucial seclusion rites, part of the monarch’s preparation, are yet to begin.

While the public initially believed that the new Alaafin had already started his royal preparations, it was later revealed that Prince Akeem Owoade had traveled to Canada to finalize his resignation from his place of work. This delay has raised questions among those following the process.

In response, Chief Afonja assured the public, stating: “He has collected only the certificate, he is yet to undergo all the necessary rites. When he comes, he will go into seclusion.”

He further clarified, “When he is back in the country, he will enter Ipebi (seclusion), and while in Ipebi, the new Alaafin will go through all necessary rites as preparation for the coronation which will come up in April.”

Afonja explained that the new monarch will spend nearly 30 days in Ipebi, during which he will receive tutelage and undergo various rites. He also stressed that once the new Alaafin returns, the traditional process will begin promptly.

Contrary to rumors suggesting reluctance from Ifa Priests and traditionalists, a source from the ancient city stated: “Since modernity has usurped the role of the traditionalists in some areas, we have to make some adjustments. In the olden days, once a king has been picked, he will immediately go into mandatory seclusion which is 21 days and will not go out until he performs all the rites. After that, the coronation ceremony and presentation of staff and certificate can follow.”

With these clarifications, the Oyo community and observers await the completion of the necessary rites for the new Alaafin’s installation, expected in April.

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The ancient town of Oyo in Oyo State is gearing up for a historic occasion as Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade will officially be crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on Friday, April 4, 2025.

This significant event will solidify Oba Owoade’s position as the custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage, a role steeped in tradition and history.

NigeriaUpdates reports that preparations for the much-anticipated coronation are well underway. Committees, comprising representatives from the Alaafin’s palace and the Oyo State Government, are working tirelessly to ensure a grand and flawless ceremony.

Traditional Seclusion Rites Underway

Ahead of his official crowning, Oba Owoade is undergoing the Alaafin Rituals—a series of seclusion rites deeply rooted in Yoruba culture.

These rituals are designed to prepare him physically and spiritually for his revered role as the guardian of the throne.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had earlier approved Oba Owoade’s nomination on Friday, January 10, 2025.

In recognition of this monumental occasion, the governor presented the new Alaafin with the staff and instruments of office on Monday, January 13, 2025.

This marked the official beginning of Oba Owoade’s reign as the paramount ruler of Oyo.

Reliable sources disclosed to The Sun that “extensive preparations are ongoing ahead of the coronation. Committees comprising representatives of the Alaafin’s palace and the Oyo State Government have been established to ensure a grand and hitch-free ceremony.”

These preparations reflect the deep respect and cultural significance attached to the Alaafin’s position.

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