Tinubu, Makinde, Ooni, Sultan, Olu of Warri, Diplomats, Others Attend Alaafin’s Coronation Ceremony
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The crème de la crème across the globe on Saturday converged on Oyo town for the ceremonial coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola, Owoade 1.
The event witnessed the presence of foremost traditional rulers across the country.
Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed to continue to ensure total compliance to the rule of law without interference to due processes in the state as he officially unveiled the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1.
He expressed delight that the initial rancour surrounding the ascension to the stool has been resolved.
The event was held at the Oliveth Baptist High school Oyo town, one of the venues of the event and reports that dignitaries across the country and diplomats from across the world graced the event.
The official coronation ceremony of Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1, ushered in the historic reign of the 46th Alaafin Oyo kingdom.
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As also expected, cultural displays, recitations, traditional chants to extol the virtues of the new Alaafin of Oyo added glamour to the coronation ceremony.
In his goodwill message, President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the minister of power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, emphasized that as the nation navigates through complex challenges, the stool of the Alaafin remains vital in fostering peace, promoting cultural identity and supporting governance.
In his keynote address shortly after unveiling the Alaafin to the world, Governor Seyi Makinde explained that his administration would not tolerate any form transactional succession to the traditional stools in the state, urging the Alaafin to work with the Oyo messi in protecting the stool from future lacuna.
Goodwill messages from political stakeholders as represented by Senator Yinus Akintunde, representing Oyo central, and Senator Monsurat Sumomu calling for oneness and cooperation as the Aseyin of Iseyin Oba Sefiu Oyebola expressed hope that with the coronation of Alaafin, the Oyo state traditional council would begin to meet for the progress of the state.
In his acceptance speech, the Alaafin called for shared responsibilities, cordial relationships and unity among the communities to foster a sense of belonging and ultimately pave way for progress, growth and expansion of the economy of Oyo state and Oyo town in particular.
Leading the dignitaries is President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Governor Seyi Makinde and his wife, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, FIRS boss, Zach Adelabu and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi.
Making the list of traditional rulers in attendance is the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Akanbi, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyekola and representative of Olabadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola.
Among the Ifa priests that attended the colourful and glamorous event is the Araba of Osogbo, Baba Yemi Elelubo and Chief Wande Abimbola.
Also attended are the representatives of Portugal, Brazil and Spain ambassadors.