The recently appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owode I, has ordered the immediate disbandment of the committee set up for the purpose of his forthcoming coronation without his prior consent, declaring its activities illegal.
The monarch gave the order in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, saying he would not tolerate further meetings or any other activities by the committee in respect of the coronation ceremony.
He insisted that any group of people willing to formally participate in the ceremony must obtain express permission from his office before the commencement of operations.
The statement, titled “Coronation Committee Setup in Oyo Town—Notice of Cease & Desist”, read in part, “Let it be known to all and sundry that any committee or activity being set up or promoted without the prior consent and approval of His Imperial Majesty and his office shall be deemed unauthorized and will not be allowed to exist.
“The general public and the organisers of the so-called coronation committee being put together in Oyo Town are hereby notified that no approval or consent was given by the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owode I. Therefore, further meetings on this subject must stop immediately.”
Oba Owoade also said all fundraising efforts for the coronation would be at the discretion of the royal family, which would determine the composition of any official committee if the need arose.
“The efforts of the organisers are appreciated, and they will be informed as events unfold should there be any need for their contributions,” the document stated.
The new Alaafin received the staff of office, which is the symbol of authority for his office, from Governor Seyi Makinde on January 14, after almost three years his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, passed away.
