Obasanjo absent as 14th Olowu of Owu is installed

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII was on Saturday installed as the new Olowu of Owu, with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo conspicuously absent.

The installation ceremony was witnessed by the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and former governor Olusegun Osoba.

Abiodun, while speaking at the coronation and the 23rd Edition of ‘Odun Omo Olowu festival’, which took place at Oba Odeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta, urged the new monarch to join hands with his government 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 to reckon with not only in Yorubaland, but the entire nation.

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.

However, Media Adviser to Obasanjo, Kehinde Akinyemi , said the former president, who is Balogun Owu was absent from the installation ceremony because he 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.

Others at the ceremony included Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Olu of Warri, among others.