October 30, (THEWILL) – Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has presented staff and instrument of office to the 14th Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Abiodun equally urged the fist class monarch to see his installation as a call to service towards the development of Owu Kingdom and the state in general
He spoke at the coronation and the 23rd Edition of Owu Day Celebration held at the weekend, at Oba Adeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta.
The governor charged the new monarch to join hands in achieving his vision of building the future of the state, especially charting a new economic blueprint for the Gateway State.
He 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 the entire nation.
Abiodun divulged 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.
He stated that the long history of the Owu people’s triumph over adversity, resilience in the face of opposition and crass demonstration has made them 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 Oba Matemiola as a man of honour and integrity, whose vast experience and intellectual prowess would bring 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.
Abiodun, while assuring equal treatment of project execution in all parts of the state, said that his administration remained committed towards the successful implementation of its ISEYA Agenda.
He tasked the people of Owu Kingdom to discharge their civic responsibilities peacefully as the 2023 election is fast approaching.
Earlier, 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 around the traditional ruler for the peace and development of the town.
Those who graced the event include former governors, Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, top government functionaries, traditional rulers including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Obong of Calabar, Olu of Warri, the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and other traditional rulers.
