From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has unveiled the official schedule for the coronation of Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The festivities will span two weeks, starting from Monday, March 31, running through Saturday, April 12, and unfolding in three phases, including pre-coronation, coronation and post-coronation.
The pre-coronation events, running from March 31 to April 4, will feature a vibrant cultural carnival parade, Oyo Cultural Heritage Day, a historic tree-planting ceremony, a public lecture, a coronation quiz competition and a football match. The celebrations will commence with a cultural carnival parade on March 31 at 7:30 am, followed by an official opening ceremony at 10 am at Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Ode Aremo. The event will be officiated by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, alongside LOC Chairman, Kunle Ogunmola.
The grand coronation ceremony is set for Saturday, April 5, at Olivet Baptist Heights (OBHSO), with receptions at multiple locations across the state. The OBHSO field has been reserved for the Governor, his entourage and other dignitaries, while the Olivet Baptist Academy will serve as a VIP parking area. Ladigbolu Grammar School will accommodate the public, while VIPs will also be hosted at Labamba Hotel. Additional venues include AUD Primary School (Alagbon/Owode), Methodist Primary School (Apaara), L.A. Town School (Saabo, Oyo), N.A. Town School (Isale Oyo), Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium (Ode Aremo), Old Oyo National Park and ADS Primary School.
The post-coronation activities, scheduled for April 6 to April 12, will include inter-faith prayers and traditional rituals across Oyo State. A Christian thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, April 6, at St. Michael Anglican Cathedral from 11am to 1pm. On Monday, April 7, there will be a free eye test and distribution of eyeglasses.
On Wednesday, April 9, Isese/Orisha worshippers will gather for a special Isure/Idupe ceremony at 10am at the Esu Akesan shrine, Akesan, Oyo. Muslim faithful will hold a special Jumat prayer on Friday, April 11, at the Central Mosque, Oja, at 1:30pm. The celebrations will conclude on Saturday, April 12, with a final thanksgiving service by the Isese/Orisha worshippers at Adinua, Ole Compound, Obe Apo Oyo.
The LOC encourages residents and well-wishers to participate in the historic occasion, marking the official installation of Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.