An empowerment programme involving the distribution of items and cash worth N150 million will kick off activities of the official coronation of the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye.
Chairman of the coronation’s Central Planning Committee, Prof. Adesola Adepoju, disclosed this during a news conference to roll out the programme of events at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club on Tuesday.
“The week-long event will kick off with empowerment programme worth N150 million to selected sons and daughters of 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 pointed out that the empowerment programme was put in place out of the desire of Oba Olaoye to eradicate poverty in his domain.
“It will see the presentation of refrigerators, freezers and power generating sets, among other materials,” he said.
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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.
