•Presents staff of office to 14th Olowu of Owu
• Why Obasanjo was absent at event – Aide
The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that the state is a collective heritage and greater than one person.
He said this on Saturday while presenting the certificate and staff of office to the new Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola.
Former President and Balogun of Owu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was conspicuously absent at the event.
Oba Matemilola, the 14th Olowu and paramount ruler of the ancient Owu Kingdom, was presented with the instrument of office by the Ogun Sate governor amid excitement.
The ceremony was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Olu of Warri,Ogiame Atuwatse III, among other dignitaries.
The new monarch who hails from Oluyalo – Otileta Ruling House, succeeds Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu, Amororo 11, who joined his ancestors last December.
Abiodun hailed the new Olowu for emerging as the traditional ruler of his people and commended the Owu people for the seamless process that produced Oba Matemilola.
He enjoined Owu sons and daughters to cooperate with the new Olowu as experience has shown that there can be no meaningful development in an environment of rancour and acrimony.
While also commending the people for supporting his administration, the governor charged them to continue to discharge their civic responsibilities, especially during this electioneering period, when they are expected to actively participate to put candidates of their choice in elective posts for the good of society.
He specially thanked Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who out of a genuine desire for economic growth and the people, has offered plausible policy options, encouragement, and candid advice to his administration through thick and thin, saying this is the only way the state government could make progress and make amends where there were gaps.
He also advised the people not to be willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians as the 2023 general elections draw closer, expressing the confidence that the state would overcome the shenanigans of such politicians as Ogun State is a collective heritage and greater than one person.
“We believe that people should not pull down the house simply on account of individual or group interest that may not be in alignment with the general and overall interest of the State. We are amenable and receptive to robust engagement in order to ensure that the greater majority of our people and state prosper. That is why we have continued an inclusive approach to governance because what concerns one should concern all.
“We will continue to conduct the business of governance without being distracted by naysayers whose only interests are myopic and self-serving. In the discharge of the mandate given to us by our people, we shall be guided by the fear of God, to ensure a free, fair, and just society that promotes equity, fairness, and justice to all our people irrespective of age, gender, religious or political affiliation or their geographical location and through transparent public finance management which provides an atmosphere that guarantees a more prosperous life for our people,” Abiodun said.
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In his acceptance speech, Oba Matemilola thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for the installation, the kingmakers and Owu people for their support throughout the selection and nomination process.
Why ex-president was absent
The Media Adviser to former President, Kehinde Akinyemi has explained why Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was absent at the installation of Olowu of Owu.
Akinyemi in a statement said Obasanjo, who is Balogun Owu, is currently on an 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, wished him a peaceful and developmental reign.
He also expressed gratitude to dignitaries who attended the ceremony even without his presence.