Oba Abimbola Owode I, the Alaafin of Oyo, has ruled that an unapproved coronation committee that was purportedly formed by a group of people without his consent must be immediately dissolved.
The monarch issued a statement to The Press on Wednesday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, warning that any more committee-related meetings or actions would be deemed unlawful and would not be accepted.
Oba Owode emphasized that prior approval from his office is required for any committee or event pertaining to his coronation.
Statement titled, “Coronation Committee Setup in Oyo Town, Notice of Cease & Desist”, part of the statement read, “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.”
All parties concerned were further instructed by the Alaafin to immediately stop any activities related to the committee.
The statement furthered said, “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 Owode I. Therefore, further meetings on this subject must stop immediately.”
The monarch said that the royal family would decide how to raise money for the coronation and, if necessary, would also choose who would serve on any formal committee.
“The efforts of the organizers are appreciated, and they will be informed as events unfold should there be any need for their contributions,” it stated.
However, he emphasized that prior to being made public, his administration must approve any initiatives or activities pertaining to the coronation.