EXCLUSIVE: 12 jostle for Olowu of Owu stool from Otileta ruling house
Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta
A total of 12 princes from the Otileta ruling house have signified their interest to become the new Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Western Post has exclusively gathered.
The search for the new Olowu became necessary following the demise of His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Adegboyega Dosunmu on December 13, 2021.
Our correspondent gathered that leaders of the family had gathered at Upright Hotel, Agbeloba off Quarry road in Abeokuta to select who of the 12 princes will become the new Olowu.
Our correspondent, however, further gathered that all the contestants have left the venue of the selection.
Prior to this, the chairman who is also the Head of the ruling house, Otileta ruling house, Prince Alabi Adelanwa said all the contestants were told to go back to their destinations to be expecting another date for the selection which may be next week.
All efforts to get some of the contestants proved abortive.
A source from the meeting told Western Post that there will be peace and one person must emerge. He said it was a family affair that there was no rancor at the meeting.
The Otileta ruling house of Owu Abeokuta where the new Olowu will be selected from comprises of Soke compound, Otopo compound, Soyele compound, Lumosa compound, Omoleefon compound and Aderinoye compound.
The princes justling for the vacant stool are: Prince Olatunji Adejumo Olatidoye, Prince Dr. Adeboyejo Kabir Gbademu, Prince Moruf Aremu Owonla Adesina from Soke compound and Prince Kehinde Somoye from Otopo compound.
Others are Prince Kazeem Olanrewaju Adeyanju, popularly called “Bankison” from Otopo compound, Prince Solomon Kayode Adedayo Owookade from Soke compound, Prince Adesina Adelani Olukayode Joseph also from Soke Compound and Prince Abiodun Obadayo Soyele from Lumosa compound.
Prince Semiu Oladimeji Adeyemi Adelani from Omoleefon compound, Prince Dr. Sala Matemilola from Soke compound, Prince Sunday Aremu Adebayo Adelanwa from Lumosa compound and Prince Adegbemi Atanda Adewale (Aderinoye).
The head of the Otileta ruling house is expected to present the candidate selected by the family to the kingmakers for coronation plans to commence.
The Olowu is Owu is picked from princes in the six ruling houses: Amororo, Otileta, Ayoloye, Akinjobi, Akinoso and Lagbedu in the town.
The last time a king emerged from the Otileta ruling house was in 1938 when Oba Adelani Gbogboade became king. He ruled from 1938 to 1946.
