Governor Makinde, Dignitaries Arrive Amidst Fanfare, Heavy Security for Alafin’s Coronation
The coronation of Oba Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo has commenced at Olivet Heights Baptist School, Oyo, with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the monarch arriving at the venue amidst heavy security, drumming, and gunshots into the air by local hunters.
The event, which is being attended by dignitaries from across the country, has been marked by fanfare since as early as 7 am, with a heavy security presence in place to ensure a smooth and safe ceremony.
Governor Makinde and Oba Owoade arrived at the venue in a convoy of cars, with the new monarch seated inside a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon. The venue is filled with excitement and anticipation as the crowd awaits the formal coronation of the new Alaafin.
President Bola Tinubu is being represented at the event by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. Other dignitaries in attendance include the Statistician General of the Federation and CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran; the Wife of the Oyo Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, among others.
The event has also drawn a large number of royal fathers from across the country, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrashid Akanbi; and the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.
Other notable attendees include the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola; Bishop Taiwo Adelakun; and former MILAD, General Adebayo Popoola, among others.
The coronation of Oba Owoade comes three years after the passing of the last monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. The new Alaafin is expected to play a key role in promoting the cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people, and his coronation is seen as a significant milestone in the history of the Oyo Kingdom.
