Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been appointed as the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the coronation of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I.
The newly established 97-member committee, approved by the Alaafin, will work alongside the committee previously set up by the Oyo State Government to ensure a smooth coronation, scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Oyo town.
A statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the new monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, announced the formation of the LOC, stating:
“His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Engr. Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, has approved the establishment of the Local Organizing Coronation Committee to oversee the successful coordination of activities marking his ascension to the throne.
As part of its responsibilities, the committee will collaborate closely with the committee set up by the Oyo State Government to ensure seamless planning and execution.”
Osuntola further noted that the inaugural meeting of all committee members is scheduled for February 12, 2025, at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo. He emphasized that the historic event aims to unite Yorubaland, with key stakeholders participating 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,” the statement added.
Committee Members
In addition to Dr. Ogunmola as chairman, Prince Owoade Adediwura has been named vice chairman. Other key members of the committee include:
Royal family representatives: Prince Owoade Olayide, Prince Owoade Kazeem Ayoade, Prince Owoade Tolani, Prince Owoade Taiwo, Princess Azees Fatimo (née Owoade)
Government officials and political figures: Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Ambassador Victor Adekunle Adeleke (State House Chief of Protocol), Senator Akintunde Yunus, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi (Skimeh), Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, Hon. Prince Oladeji Oparinde, Hon. Segun Taiwo, Prince Akeem Owoade Ayelabola
High Chiefs of Oyo: High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo), High Chief Lamidi Oye Wale (Basaamu of Oyo), 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
Religious and community leaders: Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Oke Adejare Adisa, Rev. Oladele Kolade, Rev. Akintayo Suulola, Alhaji Olaleye Ismail (Imam Agure), Alhaji Lati Eleyele (Acting Imam of Oyo land)
Security agencies and traditional institutions: Representatives from Amotekun, FRSC, Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), divisional police officers (DPOs) from Atiba, Oyo-West, Oyo-East, and Afijio LGAs, and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Atiba
Ethnic and cultural representatives: Alhaji Lawan Seriki (Fulani Community), Malam Danlamin (Seriki of Hausa Community), Musa Ibraheem (Togo Community), Arogun Sulaiman (Head of the Sabe Community), Nze Felis Ononuju (Head of the Igbo Community), representatives for Aso-Oke weavers, Adire (tie and dye) traders, and artworks artisans
Other notable members include Hon. Emmanuel Aikomo, Hon. Waliu Adekunle, Chief Fola Okediran, Alhaja Adijat Bakare (Iyaloja of Oyo), and Prince Wale Gbadegesin.
The committee has been tasked with ensuring that the coronation is a grand and seamless event, reflecting the cultural richness and historical significance of the Alaafin’s ascension.
