OLOWU STOOL: ANLG BOSS; AYORINDE SEEKS SYNERGY AMONG OWU KINGDOM ...As Oba Matemilola becomes the 14th Olowu to receive staff of office from Gov. Abiodun amidst funfair

BY: FAGBIRE OLUWAROTIMI, OCT. 30, 2022

 

The Executive Chairman, Abeokuta North Local Government, Prince Ayorinde Abdulsalam Adebayo has called on the indigenes, residents and all the inhabitants of Owu Community and its environ to rally round the newly installed Kabiyesi in a bid to achieving peace, love, tranquility, prosperity and progress in the kingdom.

Ayorinde who made the call during the Coronation and formal presentation of Staff of office to the new and the 14th Olowu Kingdom, HRM. Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola Otileta VII, at the Oba Odeleye Park, Ori-Omi, Sokori in Abeokuta on Saturday 29th October, 2022.

The Council boss, who described the event as special and a milestone achievement in the history of Owu Kingdom and Abeokuta North Local Government in general as Oba Matemilola is being presented a staff of office. He as well extended his unalloyed appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR for his role in approving the appointment, installation and presentation of staff of office to the new Royal Father of Owu Kingdom and also thanked God for counting us worthy to witness this day.

Ayorinde further emphasized that his address will be incomplete without commending the Kingmakers, Elders of Owu Kingdom as well as the ruling house for the peace and mutual understanding that characterized the process that led to the installation of the new monarch. He described the enthronement of the new monarch as the custodian of traditional and cultural heritage of Owu Kingdom. He stated that the responsibilities of the Royal Fathers are enormous and challenging that requires thoroughness, strong character, objectiveness and propelling actions. The Council boss, then wished the new Kabiyesi an itch free and eventful tenure of office.

Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR charged Oba Matemilola to see his installation as a call to service and towards the development of Owu Kingdom in particular and the State in general. He as well enjoined him to join hands towards achieving its vision of building the future of the State, especially now when his administration has charted a new economy blueprint for the State.

The Governor described Owu people as intelligent, resourceful and highly cerebral who have evolved over the years to become a force not only in Yoruba land but in the entire Nation. He pointed out the unbroken bound between the Owu people which must be recognized, especially after Orile Owu was devastated in the 1820s during the Yoruba inter-tribal war. He noted that their resilience in the face of opposition and firm demonstration has made them as one, united, indivisible and proud entity.

He further described Owu people as indomitable, valiant, loyal, strong, willed, tenacious, highly outspoken, principled and most resourceful. 

The Governor described the new Olowu as a man of honour and integrity whose vast experience and intellectual prowess would bring in immense growth to the Kingdom.

The Balogun of Owu and Former President of Nigeria, Chief Matthew Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo represented by the Otun of Owu, Chief Doja Adewolu,  described the new monarch as a man of wisdom, knowledge and good character who rose to the top of his career, expressing the hope that he will steer the ship of the town to a greater heights.

In his acceptance speech, HRM. Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola assured all sons and daughters of Owu Kingdom that he would lead the way and facilitate the growth of the Kingdom, while calling on all groups, religious leaders and individuals in the Kingdom to play their part with trust, dedication and unity of purpose.

According to Oba Matemilola, the Olowu stool is very unique and comes with great responsibilities while promising to live up to the expectations, virtues, principles and values as exemplified by his predecessors.

The event was well attended by dignitaries from all facets of life including Former Governors in the State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA, MHR Hon. Olumide Osoba,  Top Government Functionaries,  Traditional Rulers including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Obong of Calabar, HRM. Edidem Ekpo Okoh Abassi Otu V, Olu of Warri, HRM. Oba Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Alake of Egba land, HRM. Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and some Traditional Rulers. Others are, the Vice Chairman, ANLG. Hon Ayoola Oluajo, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon Kabiru Odusiji, Ag. Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaja Nurat Sekoni, Directors and Heads of Department in the Council Area amongst many others respectively.