By Bisade Ojoye
The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has told the newly installed Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, His Highness, Oba, Professor Saka Adeola Matemilola that his enthronement was a call to service towards the development of Owu Kingdom and the state in general
Abiodun gave this charge on Saturday while presenting with the instrument of office as the 14th Olowu of Owu and 23rd Edition of Owu Day Celebration held at the Oba Adeleye Park, Sokori, Ori-Omi, Sokori, Abeokuta.
He also charged the new monarch to join hands with the government in its efforts towards achieving its vision of building the future of the state, especially now that his administration has charted a new economy blueprint for the state.
The governor described Owu people as intelligent, resourceful and highly cerebral and have evolved over the years to become a force not only in Yorubaland, but the entire nation.
Abiodun enjoined the people of the kingdom to ensure that the unbroken bond among the Owu people should continue to be strengthened especially after Orile Owu was devastated in the 1820s during the Yoruba inter-tribal wars.
He pointed out that the long history of the Owu people’s triumph over adversity, resilience in the face of opposition and crass demonstration made them a one, united, indivisible and proud entity.
“Indeed, wherever we find the Owu people, you see them excelling. Whether in Osun, their primordial ancestral homestead, through Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun and even in Ondo states. One is always faced with a unique species of mankind – indomitable, valiant, loyal, strong-willed, tenacious, highly outspoken, principled and resourceful”, the governor noted.
The governor who described the new Olowu as a man of honour and integrity whose vast experience and intellectual prowess, he believed would bring in immense growth to the kingdom therefore implored sons and daughters of the kingdom to support the traditional ruler in his developmental agenda to take the town to greater heights.
Abiodun assured equal treatment of all parts of the state in project execution, declaring that his administration remained committed towards the successful implementation of its ISEYA Agenda, and charging the people of Owu Kingdom to discharge their civic responsibilities peacefully as the 2023 election was fast approaching.
He commended those who contested for the stool with the new monarch for being orderly, the Planning Committee of the Odun Omo Olowu and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the annual festival, noting that the large turn out of Owu indigenes at the coronation event was a confirmation to the acceptability of the new Olowu.
In his remarks, the chairman, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Abdulsam Ayorinde, expressed optimism that the crowning of Oba Matemilola would usher in a new era of development in Owuland and its environs, urging the indigenes to rally round the traditional ruler for the peace and development of the town.
The Balogun of Owu and former President, Chief Olusegun 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 would steer the ship of the town to greater height.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Matemilola assured all sons and daughters of Owu kingdom that he would lead the way and facilitate the growth of the kingdom, calling on groups, religious leaders and individuals in the kingdom to play their part with trust, dedication and unity.
Oba Matemilola believed the Olowu stool is unique and comes with great responsibilities, promising to live up to the virtues, principles and values as exemplified by his predecessors.
The event draw dignitaries from all walks of life, amongst others were former governors, Olusegun Osoba; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi; Olu of Warri, Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
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