The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a committee set up for the coronation ceremony of the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
A statement issued from the office of the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said that the inaugural meeting, held on Monday, February 3, was presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo.
Among the committee members are four members of the Oyo State cabinet, including the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; Hon. Ademola Ojo and Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Other members are three House of Assembly members from Oyo Constituency, including Hon. Gbenga Oyekola from Atiba State Constituency, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto from Oyo East/Oyo West Constituency; and Hon. Oladeji Oparinde from Afijio Constituency.
According to the Commissioner, the chairman Oyo West Local Government Area, Hon. Akeem Olukitibi; the chairman, Atiba LGA, Hon. Wahab Adetunji; the chairman Oyo East LGA, Hon. Sola Oluokun; the Chairman Afijio LGA, Hon. Olufemi Aikomo; seven family members of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade; religious leaders and other stakeholders are also in the committee.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters also said that arrangements had started in earnest to ensure a successful coronation in strict compliance with the tradition of Oyo people.
The Commissioner for Information recalled that in the past five years, the Seyi Makinde administration has coronated 10 kings and 40 Baales.
The Commissioner said that Governor Seyi Makinde expects everyone involved in the coronation to be diligent and show maximum support for the success of the event.