The Central Coronation Planning Committee of the Soun of Ogbomoso on Tuesday unveiled the activities lined up for the official coronation of the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye
The committe at a press conference held at Ogbomoso Recreation club said the 6 days event will kickstart on the 14th of September with empowerment programme involving the distribution of items and cash worth N150 million.
Chairman of the Coronation’s Central Planning Committee, Prof. Adesola Adepoju, while addressing the press at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club said “The week-long event will kick off with empowerment programme worth N150 million to selected sons and daughters and beneficiaries will be selected from all the five local government areas in the Ogbomoso geo-political zone on Dec. 14 at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso,” he said.
Adepoju added that that the empowerment programme was put in place out of the desire of Oba Olaoye to eradicate poverty in his domain.
The committee chairman said further that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State would present the staff of office to Oba Olaoye on Dec. 19 at the Ogbomoso Township stadium.
“We are expecting dignitaries from all walks of life, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
“Lots of traditional rulers, representatives of governments at all levels, serving and former governors, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps will also be on hand to be part of the occasion,” he added.
Adepoju stated that his committee was already working with the different arms of security agencies to provide adequate security for lives and properties during the events as well as travel routes.
He added that Pastor Adeboye would lead other clerics at the Inter-Denominational Coronation Church Service at Beulah Centre on Dec. 17.
”Also, a Praise and Worship Concert will hold on Dec. 18 at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).”
The committee chairman stated that a Jumat service would hold on Dec. 15 at the Soun Palace.
”An Oba Olaoye Golf Tournament and traditional celebration with entertainment will hold on Dec. 16,” he said.
Gov. Makinde had approved the selection of Prince Afolabi Olaoye of Olaoye Ruling House on Sept. 2.
This was after he was selected by the kingmakers in Ogbomoso to succeed the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Soun Ajagungbade III.
On Sept, 8, the kingmakers led by the Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, had installed Prince Olaoye as the new Soun at Abata.
Six days later, the “Ikije” was held at the palace, witnessed by a large turnout of sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland and over 4million congratulatory messages.
The chairman appreciated the media for their support and urge them continue to projects Ogbomoso in a good light.
Other members of committee at the press conference include the Akogun of Ogbomoso land Air Vice Marshall Bolaji Adigun (rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Ajai Rtd, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd) among others.
