The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, has budgeted N150m to empower the people of the ancient town in Oyo State.
This is part of activities lined up for the presentation of staff to the monarch by the Governor of Oyo State.
The Chairman of Central Planning Committee for the event, Prof. Adesola Adepoju, disclosed this on Tuesday.
Adepoju said the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, would lead other dignitaries to the official coronation of the 21st Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The PUNCH reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on September 2, approved the selection of Oba Olaoye of Olaoye Ruling House to succeed the late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III.
The new Soun was subsequently installed on September 8 by the kingmakers led by Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin.
The chairman of the planning committee, Adepoju, who addressed a press conference at Ogbomoso Recreation Club in Ogbomoso, said a weeklong event had been lined up for the coronation.
He said the ceremony would peak with the presentation of staff of office to the new Soun by Governor, Makinde at the Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
He added that there would be an N150m empowerment programme for the poor.
“The empowerment programme is borne out of the desire of Oba Olaoye to eradicate poverty, and about N150m has been set aside for this programme. This empowerment programme is for the underprivileged sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland. The governor will present staff of office to Oba Olaoye on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Ogbomoso Township stadium.”
He stated that necessary security arrangements had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free event.
Adepoju said, “We are expecting dignitaries from all walks of life. Lots of traditional kings, representatives from the government at all levels, serving and former governors, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps. We are already working with the different arms of security agencies to provide adequate security for lives and property during the events as well as travel routes which will be issued later.
“Pastor Adeboye would lead other anointed men of God at the Interdenominational Coronation Church service at Beulah Centre on Sunday while Praise and Concert will hold on Monday at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.”
