By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owode has ordered the immediate dissolution of an unauthorised coronation committee set up by a group of individuals.
The monarch in a statement he personally signed warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be deemed illegal and would not be tolerated.
He emphasized that any committee or activity related to the coronation must receive prior approval and consent from his office.
Oba Owoade appreciated the organizers of the committee for their efforts, but instructed them to dissolve all apparatus associated with the activity immediately.
He assured that they would be informed of any future developments or needs.
The statement was entitled “Coronation Committee Setup in Oyo Town – Notice of Cease & Desist” and addressed “to whom it may concern”
Oba Owoade said “Let it be known to all and sundry that any committee or activity being set up or promoted without the prior consent of and approval from His Imperial Royal Majesty and his office shall be deemed unauthorized and may constitute an illegality that should and will not be allowed to exist.
“Therefore, the general public and the organizers of the so-called Coronation Committee being put together in Oyo Town by a group of people are hereby notified that no approval/consent was given by Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owode I, and therefore further meetings in respect of the subject should be stopped immediately.
“Any fund-raising activity shall be at the discretion of the royal family, which will decide on the diverse composition of the membership of such a committee, if there is need for it.
“The efforts of the organizers are hereby appreciated, and they will be informed as events unfold should there be a need.
“By virtue of this notice, the committee organizers are hereby instructed to dissolve any and all apparatus associated with the activity immediately.
“Let it be known that any initiative/activity to be embarked upon by anyone is to be cleared by the office of Kabiyesi before going public with it.
“Oyo a gbe wa o, ile Yoruba a dara fun wa o, ase wa!”
The move is seen as an effort by the monarch to maintain control and order in the kingdom, while also ensuring that all activities related to the coronation are carried out with dignity and respect.
