Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has presented the instrument of office to the 14th Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola.
While presenting the staff of office to the monarch, Governor Abiodun charged him to join hands towards achieving its vision of building the future of the state.
The monarch was also urged to see his installation as a call to service towards the development of Owu Kingdom and Ogun state in general.
Matemilola’s emergence came after a selection among the seven candidates of the ruling houses in Owu and the completion of traditional rites.
His Predecessors, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, died last year after a brief illnessa at the age of 80.
The governor described Owu people as intelligent, resourceful and highly cerebral who have evolved over the years to become a force 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.
“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.
Abiodun described the new monarch as a man of honour and integrity whose vast experience and intellectual prowess would bring in immense growth to the kingdom.
The governor implored sons and daughters of the kingdom to support the traditional ruler in his developmental agenda to take the town to greater heights.
The Balogun of Owu and former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by the Otun of Owu, Doja Adewolu, described the new monarch as a man of wisdom, knowledge and good character who rose to the top of his career, expressing hope that he would steer the ship of the town to greater heights.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Matemilola assured the people of Owu kingdom that he would lead the way and facilitate the growth of the kingdom, calling on groups, religious leaders and individuals in the kingdom to play their part with trust, dedication and unity.
According to the monarch, the Olowu stool is unique and comes with great responsibilities, promising to live up to the virtues, principles and values as exemplified by his predecessors.
Oba Matemilola holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan. He also bagged a PhD degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
