Organising committee releases schedule for Alaafin’s coronation
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Alaafin Abimbola Owoade Local Organising Committee has released the full schedule of events for the pre-coronation, coronation, and post-coronation ceremonies of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade II, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
WESTERN POST reports that the festivities will begin on Monday, March 31, 2025, and conclude on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Pre-coronation events
The celebrations will commence with a Cultural Carnival Parade on March 31, showcasing Yoruba art, music, and dance to unite the people of Oyo and set the stage for the coronation.
This will be followed by an opening ceremony, attended by cultural and state dignitaries, alongside exhibitions that will run until April 4.
Other activities lined up for the week include:
- A three-phase tree-planting campaign beginning on April 1.
- A public lecture and colloquium featuring renowned scholars.
- A coronation quiz competition aimed at educating young people on Oyo’s rich history.
On April 3, the coronation football competition will conclude, followed by the commissioning of development projects initiated by Prince Akeem in honor of Oba Abimbola Owoade II.
Coronation day
The official coronation will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at multiple venues in Oyo to accommodate a large number of guests, including government officials, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The traditional rites recently completed by Oba Owoade will be publicly celebrated, blending royal customs with modern festivities. The day will also feature exclusive receptions for VIPs and cultural performances.
Post-coronation events
A series of thanksgiving services will be held, reflecting the diverse religious identities of the Oyo people:
- A Christian thanksgiving service on April 6 at Michael Anglican Cathedral.
- A Jumat prayer on April 11 at the Central Mosque, Oja.
- A traditional thanksgiving ceremony on April 12 at the Isese Compound, Oyo.
Other post-coronation activities include a free eye test campaign and distribution of eyeglasses on April 7.
Full schedule of events
Pre-coronation events
Monday, March 31, 2025
- Cultural Carnival Parade: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Opening Ceremony (featuring dignitaries and exhibitions): 10:00 AM – April 4
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Historic Tree Planting (Phase 1): 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Public Lecture/Colloquium: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Historic Tree Planting (Phase 2): 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Coronation Quiz Competition: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Thursday, April 3, 2025
- Historic Tree Planting (Phase 3): 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Coronation Football Competition (Final): 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Commissioning of Projects
Friday, April 4, 2025
- Oyo Cultural Heritage Day: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Command Performance: 5:00 PM
Coronation event
Saturday, April 5, 2025
- Main Coronation Ceremony: Held at multiple venues in Oyo
- Exclusive reception events for VIPs
Post-coronation events
Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Christian Thanksgiving Service: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Monday, April 7, 2025
- Free Eye Test and Gift of Glasses
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Isure Ati Idupe Fun Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade II: Rituals at Esu Akesan Shrine
Friday, April 11, 2025
- Jumat Thanksgiving Prayer: 1:30 PM at Central Mosque, Oja
Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Thanksgiving Service for Isese/Orisa Worshippers: 10:00 AM at Isese Compound, Oyo
