As the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Oyo State government has put in place heightened security measures, including the deployment of security operatives at strategic locations within the ancient city and surrounding communities.

Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, ascends the throne after the late Oba Adeyemi passed away.

The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.

The coronation event will take place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to lead a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.

Other venues for the event include Ladigbolu Grammar School, Durbar Stadium, the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Mini Stadium, and the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.

Among the dignitaries expected are the former Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudea, ambassadors from four different countries, over 200 Oyo indigenes based in Canada, traditional rulers, diplomats, and various government officials.

Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced ahead of the ceremony.

Police vans and other security agency vehicles have been stationed at strategic points across the town, including Owoade, Jabata, Akesan, Isale Oyo, Eleekara, and the School of Survey, among other key areas.

A senior police source confirmed to our correspondent on Thursday that additional personnel have been deployed to the town to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the event.

“The police, in conjunction with other security agencies, are fully prepared to ensure a smooth and trouble-free event,” the source assured.

Meanwhile, local hotels have reported full bookings, with accommodations made for the influx of visitors expected for the coronation.

A hotel manager, who requested to remain anonymous, mentioned, “We have upgraded our facilities to ensure that our guests have a memorable stay. The security agencies have also assured us of adequate protection for our facilities.”

Additionally, reports indicate that the popular Akesan market, along with other nearby markets, will be temporarily closed during the coronation to allow the active participation of local market men and women in the event.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out a suit by the Okun-Ajah community and other property owners in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area challenging the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

Justice Akintayo Aluko ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1488/2024.

The judge transferred it to the Lagos State High Court as the appropriate court to hear the case.

The plaintiffs are Chief Saheed Olukosi (Akogun of Okun-Ajah Community), Noibi Issa Afolayan, Yussuf Odunuga Sulaiman, Olufemi Fasehun and Adeola Tokunbo, all representing Okun-Ajah Community and other Concerned Property Owners at Okun-Ajah Community.

The defendants/objectors are Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Attorney-General of Lagos, Hitech Construction Limited and other agencies.

The plaintiffs’ through their lawyers, A.O. Ajiboye, Esq, and E. C. Okorie had asked the court to stop the project on several grounds.

But the defendants/objectors prayed the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Justice Aluko held: “Counsel to the plaintiffs made an alternative submission in his written address urging the court not to strike out this suit if the court finds that it lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate over the case.

“Counsel urged the court to transfer this suit to the State High Court instead of striking out same.

“I agree with counsel on this request as this court possesses the needed power and jurisdiction to accede to such prayer.

“This court is fortified under Section 22(2) of the Federal High Court Act which provides thus: ‘No cause or matter shall be struck out by the court merely on the ground that such cause or matter was taken in the court instead of the High Court of a State or of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in which it ought to have been brought, and the Judge of the court before whom such cause or matter is brought may cause such use or matter to be transferred to the appropriate High Court of a State or at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in accordance with Rules of Court to be made under section 44 of this Act.”

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has expressed support for the Nigerian government’s efforts to pursue justice following the tragic killing of Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna.

In a statement released today, the mission emphasized the crucial role of Nigeria’s judicial system in ensuring accountability and due process throughout the investigation and trial.

“We welcome the Nigerian government’s interest in pursuing justice and emphasize the critical role of the judicial system in ensuring due process and accountability,” the statement read.

The mission also urged for a transparent legal process, stressing the importance of a fair and swift trial to establish the innocence or guilt of the accused.

The U.S. Mission’s call underlined the need for the rule of law to be upheld to provide justice not only for Father Okechukwu but also for other victims of similar violence across the country.

The statement concluded by highlighting that transparency in legal proceedings would help provide closure for the victims’ families and communities, assuring them that justice would be served.