The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has ordered the immediate dissolution of an unauthorized coronation committee allegedly set up by a group of individuals without his approval.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the monarch warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated.
Oba Owoade emphasized 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 organizers 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 Owoade 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 stated, “The efforts of the organizers are appreciated, and they will be informed as events unfold should there be any need for their contributions.”
He, however, stressed that all initiatives or activities relating to the coronation must be cleared by his office before being made public.