Governor Abiodun, Presenting Staff Of Office To Olowu Matemilola
The new Olowu of Owu kingdom in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola was on Saturday, formally presented with the staff of office,
certificate, as well as other instruments of authority as the 14th monarch of Owu ABEOKUTA Kingdom with the former President Olusegun Obasanjo conspicuously absent at the installation ceremony.
Oba Matemilola, who ascended the throne as the 14th Olowu and Paramount ruler of the ancient Owu kingdom in Abeokuta, succeeded Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu, Amororo 11, who joined his ancestors last December, was presented with the instrument of office by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun amid excitement at the event, which had in attendance, the Oonirisa of Ilè - Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ènìyà n Ogunwusi, the Obong of Calabar, Olu of Warri, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo among other traditional rulers and dignitaries.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Matemilola, who hails from the Oluyalo - Otileta ruling house, 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.
Emphasizing that the Olowu stool is unique, with it's attendant great responsibilities, the new monarch promised to live up to the virtues, principles and values as exemplified by his predecessors.
Speaking at the coronation and the 23rd Edition of Owu Day Celebration held at the Oba Adeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta, equally charged the new monarch 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 Yorubaland, but the entire nation.
Abiodun hailed the new Olowu for emergence as the traditional ruler of his people and commended the Owu people for the seamless process that produced Oba Matemilola.
He noted that the unbroken bond between the Owu people must be recognized, especially after Orile Owu was devastated in the 1820s during the Yoruba inter-tribal wars.
Abiodun pointed out that the long history of the Owu people's triumph over adversity, resilience in the face of opposition and crass demonstration has made them as 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 most resourceful", the governor noted.
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.
He implored sons and daughters of the kingdom to support the traditional ruler in his developmental agenda to take the town to greater heights.
While assuring equal treatment of all parts of the state in project execution, Governor Abiodun also assured that his administration remained committed towards the successful implementation of its ISEYA Agenda, charging the people of Owu Kingdom to discharge their civic responsibilities peacefully as the 2023 election is fast approaching.
Governor Abiodun particularly appreciated the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he said out of genuine desire for the economic growth and the people, have offered plausible policy options, encouragement and candid advice to his administration through thick and thin, saying this is the only way the state government could make progress and make amends where there were gaps.
He commended those who contested for the stool with the new monarch for being orderly and the Planning Committee of the Odun Omo Olowu and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the annual festival, maintaining that the large turn out of Owu indigenes at the coronation event was a confirmation to the acceptability of the new Olowu.
He also advised the people not to be willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians as the 2023 general elections draws closer, expressing the confidence that the state would overcome the shenanigans of such politicians as Ogun State is a collective heritage and greater than one person.
"We believe that people should not pull down the house simply on account of individual or group interest that may not be in alignment with general and overall interest of the State. We are amenable and receptive to robust engagement in order to ensure that the greater majority of our people and state prosper. That is why we have continued an inclusive approach to governance because what concerns one should concern all.
"We will continue to conduct the business of governance without being distracted by naysayers whose only interests are myopic and self-serving. In the discharge of the mandate given to us by our people, we shall be guided by the fear of God, to ensure a free, fair, and just society that promotes equity, fairness, and justice to all our people irrespective of age, gender, religious or political affiliation or their geographical location and through transparent public finance management which provides an atmosphere that guarantees a more prosperous life for our people," Abiodun said.
•••Why Obasanjo Was Absent At Olowu Installation --- Media Aide, Akinyemi
The Media Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Kehinde Akinyemi has explained why his principal was absent at the installation of the new Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Oluyalo Otileta VII.
Akinyemi in a statement said Obasanjo, who is Balogun Owu is currently on international mission abroad.
He said Obasanjo, who was represented by Otun Owu Chief Doja Adewolu was with the two-in-one event both in life and spirit.
Obasanjo, while congratulating the 14th Olowu in Abeokuta, wish him peaceful and developmental reign.
He also expressed gratitude to dignitaries who attended the ceremony even without his presence.
The Catalyst Cable
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