Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The atmosphere of Oyo town in Oyo State is currently electrified. In the past two days, it has been a beehive of activities. Eminent Yoruba leaders and people from all walks of life, in their large numbers, have stormed the town in grand style.
They are in Oyo to honour Otunba Gani Adams, who will be officially installed today as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, at Durba Stadium.
Saturday Sun gathered that all the hotels in the town have been fully booked ahead of the installation ceremony. Some dignitaries were said to have decided to lodge in Ibadan when they were informed that boarding could not be secured for them in Oyo on Friday. They are expected to move to Oyo this morning, which is less than 60 kilometres from Ibadan.
Eminent Nigerians expected to grace the installation today include President Muhammadu Buhari, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The list also comprised former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and his counterparts from other parts of Yorubaland.
Dignitaries are also expected to come from some parts of Benin Republic and Togo, that were part of the Old Oyo Empire. Also, the leadership of Yoruba communities in Kwara and Kogi States are expected to attend the installation.
Oyo town is also wearing a new look as digital banners congratulating Adams and Alaafin have been mounted in strategic points. The palace of Alaafin has also been decorated.
The installation of Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo, Saturday Sun can report, is part of the 47th coronation anniversary of Oba Adeyemi. The installation of Aare Ona Kakanfo will hold today, while coronation anniversary will be marked tomorrow January 14 in the palace.
Security has also been beefed up in major areas in the town, especially Durbar Stadium, venue of the epoch-making event. Men of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local security personnel are on ground to forestall an possible breakdown of law and order as well as maintaining free flow of traffic.