‘No one imposed Olowo on Owo’ — Akeredolu’s ex-aide breaks silence

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Dr. Doyin Odebowale, former Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has refuted claims that the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, was imposed on the town by the former governor.

Odebowale’s reaction followed comments made by Betty Akeredolu, the late governor’s widow, who alleged that her husband single-handedly installed the Olowo.

“I was privileged to witness the entire process that led to his emergence,” Odebowale said. “As someone who served in the Governor’s Office at the time, I can confidently affirm that Akeredolu did not singlehandedly choose the Olowo. That would have been impossible under Owo’s traditional system.”

In a Facebook post on Monday, Odebowale expressed strong support for the monarch, describing him as a man of honour with impeccable lineage and deep cultural roots.

He explained that Oba Ogunoye, the third in his royal line, emerged through a transparent selection process in accordance with Owo’s tradition. The process was presided over by the Ojomo Luda of Ijebu-Owo, head of the Owo princes, with several qualified contenders involved.

According to him, many aspirants voluntarily stepped down after consultations, leading to Prince Ajibade Ogunoye’s emergence as a consensus candidate.

Odebowale also addressed the recent controversy over the demolition of the Owo Cenotaph, urging the state government to engage stakeholders before making decisions on culturally sensitive matters.