SOUN: Committee Reels Out 6-Day Coronation Activities, Créme de la Créme to Storm Ogbomoso, 14th-19th December

The final programme outline for the official coronation ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, has been released.

This was made known Tuesday (exactly two weeks to the grand finale in which the staff of office will be presented by the Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde), during a World Press Conference at Ogbomoso Recreation Club, addressed by the chairman, central coronation planning committee, Professor Adeshola Adepoju, assisted by co-chairman, Air Vice Marshal Bolaji Adigun (rtd.) Who is the Akogun of Ogbomosoland and General Secretary, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd.).

An highlight of the programme to be held between December 14 and 19, is ministration by the revered Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where Oba Ghandi Olaoye is formerly a pastor in the United States of America.

Pastor Adeboye will be ministering on Sunday December 17 during the Coronation interdenominational thanksgiving service at 30,000 sitting capacity Beulah Baptist Centre in Ogbomoso.

Other schedules of activities include empowerment programme worth over 150million naira for indigenes of Ogbomosoland, which is aimed at boosting entrepreneur activities.

Prof Adepoju, who is the immediate past Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, said over 4m congratulatory messages had been received by the monarch since his installation, noting this is demonstration of the love and passion the people have for our monarch, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

He added this is the basis for the overflowing enthusiasm of the indigenes and non-natives alike to witness the coronation something he disclosed happened over 50 years ago in the city during the installation of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi in 1973.

“The selection and subsequent approval of Oba Ghandi Olaoye was celebrated by indigenes of Ogbomoso both at home and in the diaspora with over 4 million congratulatory messages on electronic, print and social media because of the personality involves and his passion for the advancement and development of Ogbomoso.

“Thus, our people are enthusiastic to be part of the historic occasion which was last witnessed about 50 years ago when the late Soun of Ogbomoso was crowned on 14th December 1973.”

A breakdown of the activities include.

Arrival/empowerment programme at the soun palace on Thursday, December 14.

Jummat Service at the palace in the morning of Friday, December 15 while in the evening a welcome reception for the Golfers of Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament will beheld at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club.

Day three, Saturday, December 16, will feature Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament proper at the Recreation Club while the evening schedule contains traditional celebrations and entertainment in the palace.

Other highlights are interdenominational coronation church service with Pastor E.A Adeboye ministering, 11am at Beulah Baptist Centre on day 4, Sunday, 17th December.

Day five, Monday, December 18 is to feature praise and worship night and concert at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

While day 6 will witness the high point of the events, which is presentation of staff of office/coronation event and reception, starting 11am at the Soun Stadium Ogbomoso.

“We are expecting dignitaries from all walks of life. Lots of Traditional Rulers, representatives from the government at all levels, serving and former governors, Senators, Nation leaders, captains of industries, members of the diplomatic corps, sons and daughters of Ogbomoso home and the diaspora and friends of Ogbomoso are being expected,” Adepoju stated.

“We are 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 which will be issued later.”

Ogbomosoinsight reported Oba Olaoye was selected by kingmakers led by Areago Of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin on March 22, 2022.

After a drawn out battle ignited by some opposing members of his family then Prince Ghandi Olaoye’s selection was approved by Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde on September 2 2023, following which he was installed on September 8, paving way for the forthcoming coronation.

-Ogbomosoinsight