The coronation and the 23rd Edition of ‘Odun Omo Olowu festival’ held at Oba Odeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta, was a beehive of royalty and a star-studded glitz and glam event with 2 ex-presidents of nigeria, several governors and first class and other traditional rulers in attendance.
The epoch-making event was the coronation of the new Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola (Fnse).
Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun Mfr. presented the instrument of office to the 14th Olowu of Owu, in Abeokuta, in the presence of former governors, HE Segun Osoba (Con) Gov Gbenga Daniels, Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Con) as well as other great sons of Owu kingdom and Ogun State.
While speaking at the occasion, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V. described the new Olowu as a square peg in a square hole and a man of honor and integrity whose vast experience and intellectual prowess would bring in immense growth to the kingdom.The Obong also used the opportunity to thank the Owu people for being accommodative to people of the Efik Eburutu extraction, who are in their domain.
The event had the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan GCFR as the Chairman of the day.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR who is the Balogun (Prime Minister) who also doubles as the Chairman of Owu kingdom Traditional Rulers Council, personally requested that the Obong of Calabar attend the coronation, due to historical ties and his status as a first-class monarch, natural ruler, and grand patriarch of the Efik Eburutu Kingdom. Other first class monarchs present were The Ooni of Ife, The Olu of Warri, The Alake of Egbaland and numerous other rulers and dignitaries.
The coronation of the new Olowu of Owu offered Nigerians the opportunity to appreciate the country’s traditional institutions, as well as further re-echo the call for the government to seek ways of partnering with the institution in ensuring peace and security within the nation.
