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.”
