Newly Appointed Alaafin  Dissolves Inauguration Committee, Says It Is Unauthorized

By Akinwale Kasali

Oba Abimbola Owode I, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, has distanced himself from the Inauguration Committee set up by a group of individuals. He is unaware of such Committee, He said, and ordered the immediate dissolution of the unauthorised coronation committee.

The Monarch, in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated.

He emphasised that any committee or event related to his coronation must receive prior approval from his office.

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 Alaafin further directed all individuals involved to immediately cease any engagements in connection with the committee.

The statement added: “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.”

The monarch also stated that any 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.

It further stated: “The efforts of the organisers are appreciated, and they will be informed as events unfold should there be any need for their contributions.”