There was an air of excitement yesterday at Owu kingdom in Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State, as Owu sons and daughters awaited eagerly, the coronation of their new Olowu, Oba Saka Matemilola, Otileta V11.
The event will begin on Monday at the Olowu palace in Abeokuta.
The Nation will publish a special report on the coronation on October 29.
The Olowu stool became vacant, following the death of Oba Adegboyega Dosumu, who joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021, after a meritorious reign.
Prince Matemilola emerged as the 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom, a first-class traditional title in Ogun State, in March.
He was born on August 4, 1964 and hails from a unit of the Otileta Royal Family, comprising Oluyalo and Olajisoye families, which are also linked to Iya Agba Bolajoko, the third wife of Oba Olapetiji Asunkungbade Otileta I, who led the Owu people between 1405-1437.
The new monarch seemed to have prepared himself for the communal leadership role and care beforehand. Dr. Matemilola is said to have impacted positively on the development of his people and community. During the build up to the selection and nomination process for Olowu stool of Owu kingdom, it was said that he provided water boreholes; gave regular stipends as feeding allowance to the needy, provided support for health care and encouraged literacy and reading culture among youths by donating books and rehabilitating school facilities for the benefits of the people and humanity.
Matemilola’s journey to ascending the throne of his forebears did not come easy. It fits into the saying that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. He is one of the seven princes screened by the Owu kingmakers led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on March 30, 2022 after they were nominated by the Otileta Ruling House, the next in line to produce the new Olowu.
Today, the coast is clear for him to ascend the revered throne and his people at home and abroad are behind the new monarch.
The coronation is an eight-day programme, which includes celebration of this year’s ‘Odun Omo Olowu’ on October 23, with appeasement party and news briefing. It will climax on October 30 with Traditional, Muslim and Christian thanksgiving services, which will hold at Oba Odeleye Park.
Also the same day, the new Olowu will address a world news conference and an appreciation evening with Oba Matemilola and officials to round off the activities at Olowu’s Oke Ago Owu palace.
Highlight of the activities will include the coronation of Oba Matemilola on October 24.
Among other events of the day is the opening of a medical counselling and consultation clinic.
On October 25 and 26, villages, settlements, groups and associations will pay homage to the new Olowu at his palace.
Youth seminar and colloquium will hold at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) on October 27, as well as the launch of Olowu Foundation, among other events.
There will be a commemorative golf game at Abeokuta Golf Club, Oke Mosan, while skills development seminar will hold at OOPL on October 28.
Other activities will also include tour of historical places in Abeokuta, story-telling and reminiscences by elderly people, games and sports, while a banquet will hold later in day at OOPL.
The grand finale of this year’s “Odun Omo Olowu” and the official presentation of staff of office by the Ogun State Government to Oba Matemilola will hold on October 29.
Venue of the two major events is the Oba Odeleye Park, Ori Omi, Owu Totoro, Abeokuta.