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  • Olowu hosts NDA Regular Course 29, pledges support for Armed Forces

    Olowu hosts NDA Regular Course 29, pledges support for Armed Forces

    Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has said he would continue to support the armed forces in its bid to defeat the insurgency. 

    Oba Makama, a honourary member of NDA Regular Course 29 while speaking with newsmen in Kuta on Friday, when the group paid him a courtesy visit, said the efforts of “our armed forces to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria will not be in vain”.

    Oba Makama, who was flanked by the President of NDA Regular Course 29, Commodore Bolaji Seidu rtd, said the armed forces is the unifying factor in the country, pledging the unalloyed support of group to the Nigerian armed forces. 

    Olowu urged the military to continue to be patriotic and make the country proud, adding that their efforts would not be in vain.

    On his advocacy for the improved budgetary for the military, Olowu said it has paid off because the defence budget has increased.

    He also commended the military for harmonious working relationships with other security agencies in terms of intelligence and support. 

    Read Also: Olowu bags 2025 UNESCO-TOFAC cultural award

    Explaning the meaning of the annual general meeting of the group , Commondore Seidu rtd, said the annual get-together by the NDA Regular Course 29 is called ‘Sit Out’ in military tradition, which is known as AGM.

    According to him, the 2024 AGM was held in Maiduguri while 2025 is ongoing at Continental Hotels, Osogbo.

    The chairman of local organising committee, Brig- Gen Oluwabunmi Oyebade rtd, thanked Olowu Kuta for the warm reception. 

    He said the ancient town was lucky to have Oba Makama as their king because of the development his ascendancy to the throne of his forebears has brought to Kuta town. 

    The retired army general said it was Olowu who facilitated the bridge linking Kuta with Ede, which has been neglected for more than 100 years.

    Oyebade said the role of the army is not to rule but to support the civilian administration. 

    The group also presented an award to Olowu Kuta for his support for the military, both serving and retired.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony include former director of army operations, Lt Gen Lamidi Adeosun, former house of Representatives , Hon Amobi Yinusa Akintola, Oba Ismaila Fabunmi, Oba Adetoyese Taiwo Opeyemi and Olaota of Osunwoyin, Oba Okunola Olufemi amongst others.

  • Olowu bags 2025 UNESCO-TOFAC cultural award

    Olowu bags 2025 UNESCO-TOFAC cultural award

    The Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Hammed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, has been honoured with the 2025 UNESCO-TOFAC Cultural Award for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian culture.

    The award ceremony, held on Monday at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in Osogbo, was attended by dignitaries including the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Bankole, who congratulated the monarch and described him as a “Cultural Icon.”

    In his remarks, Oba Makama called on traditional rulers to shed religious biases and embrace their roles as custodians of culture and tradition. 

    “We are installed culturally, and we don’t have any role articulated by the Chieftaincy Law other than being traditional rulers for the maintenance of tradition and culture,” he said.

    He lamented the presence of “cultural misfits” among the traditional institution and called for corrective measures, warning that history would not be kind to those who fail to uphold cultural values.

    Oba Makama was honoured alongside other prominent monarchs including the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi; and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.

    The monarch also appealed to scholars and thought leaders to help promote Nigeria’s positive narratives globally.

    In his welcome address titled Culture Matters, Professor Toyin Falola, in whose honour the conference was named, noted that culture is not only about preserving a people’s identity but also serves as a driver of creativity and innovation.

    He recalled, “Throughout history, colonisers did not just take the African land. They tried to erase the African culture. They changed African names, outlawed African languages, made a mockery of African religions, and imposed foreign systems. They did all of these because they understood that to capture a people, you must destroy their culture.

    Read Also: Olowu calls for unity between Alaafin, Ooni

    “Culture, hence, is a tool for political power. Our ancestors resisted the colonisers not always with weapons but many times with language, with the rhythm of their drums, with their knowledge of culture. In the present day, symbols of culture like statues, official languages, and holidays are still political tools.

    “They pass across messages about who belongs, who matters, who is remembered. That is why decolonising African education, literature, and public space is not merely symbolic but a fight to reclaim cultural dignity.”

    Professor of History and TOFAC 2025 Co-convener Prof Olukoya Oghen said Olowu was carefully selected for the award as a monarch who upholds the tradition of Yorubaland.

  • Respect your oath, culture and tradition of our forebears, Olowu tells Yoruba Obas

    Respect your oath, culture and tradition of our forebears, Olowu tells Yoruba Obas

    The Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to honour the oaths of office they took and remain committed to upholding the customs and traditions of their forebears.

    In a statement issued by his media office on Friday, Oba Makama emphasised that the core responsibility of an Oba is to be the custodian of culture and tradition, not to abandon it in favour of personal or religious preferences.

    The monarch’s remarks followed a recent statement by Justice Phillips Akinside of the Ogun State High Court, who declared that any traditional ruler who voluntarily ascends the throne through cultural processes must accept the accompanying rites and customs, including burial traditions, even after death.

    Oba Makama commended the judge’s position, saying it aligns with his long-standing view that Yoruba monarchs must operate within the framework of the cultural institution they represent.

    “Obas who are not ready to abide by the dictates of their office should respectfully step down, rather than desecrate the institution with careless remarks or actions,” he stated.

    The Olowu further noted that no Oba in Yorubaland is crowned in a mosque or church, but through traditional rites, which they solemnly swore to uphold during their coronation.

    Read Also: Lagos to amend ‘Obas, Chiefs Law’ to curb land grabbing, title abuse

    He urged Yoruba traditional rulers to refrain from actions or utterances that could undermine the sacredness of the Obaship institution, stressing that upholding culture and tradition is not optional, but a solemn duty tied to their office.

    Oba Makama said, “There’s a ductum is law, which says, ‘Violenti non fit injuria, ‘ which simply translates to the fact that you cannot complain once the details of what you’re subscribing to have been spelt to you beforehand.

    Justice Akinside, who was the keynote speaker at the fifth Chief Kehinde Sofola Memorial Bar Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, Sagamu branch on Wednesday, said, “The Obas have no right or legal right to change the tradition they have voluntarily come into.”

    He explained that the same customs that guide the selection, nomination, and installation of an Oba should equally apply to their burial.

    According to him, “One cannot become a traditional ruler in accordance with the customs of the land and later reject those same customs. Religious freedom exists under the 1999 Constitution, but once an individual chooses to enter a traditional institution, they cannot claim an infringement of that freedom when the rites of that institution apply.”

    Justice Akinside argued that accepting the role of an Oba is a voluntary act, and by doing so, the individual implicitly agrees to uphold and be governed by the associated traditions, including burial rituals.

     He likened rejecting those customs later to attempting to “change the goalpost in the middle of the match.”

    It would be recalled that some Obas in Yorubaland have been campaigning against burying traditional rulers according to the customs and rites, while some have deviated from the tradition and culture which they swore to uphold.

  • Olowu calls for unity between Alaafin, Ooni

    Olowu calls for unity between Alaafin, Ooni

    The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has called on the Alaafin of Oyo, HIM Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to embrace unity for the advancement of Yorubaland.

    Oba Makama made the appeal on Tuesday while hosting the Alaafin at his palace in Kuta, Osun State.

    He lamented that unlike in the North, where traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Shehu of Borno enjoy widespread respect, Yoruba traditional leadership lacks cohesion, which weakens its influence and development potential.

    According to him, unity among Yoruba monarchs is key to unlocking the region’s progress and tackling pressing challenges, especially youth unemployment.

    “It is time for Yoruba traditional rulers to come together and address the many issues facing our people,” Oba Makama said, emphasizing that cultural preservation should also remain a top priority for royal fathers.

    He extended greetings to the Ooni of Ife, who is currently abroad, noting that traditional rulers from five local governments had waited over five hours to welcome the visiting Alaafin.

    “I don’t know if you’ll still visit their locality during your courtesy visit. I watched the video of your itinerary yesterday and what Olugbon said . You have become Oba at the right time. There’s a need for unity amongst the Yoruba Obas. God has placed you and Ooni as the leaders in Yorubaland. Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye, you’ll use this courtesy visit to pass a strong message.

    There’s a crisis in Yorubaland. God has said it’s time to come together and unite.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Olowu urges national support for Nigerian Army

    “The unity of Yorubaland is very paramount. If you see Sultan of Sokoto and Shehu of Borno, you’ll never see any rancour, and if there’s any, it won’t come into the open. Our son, Bola Tinubu, is the president of Nigeria now. There is a need to rally round him to succeed. 

    ” The respect that Sultan and Shehu of Bornu command amongst their subjects is lacking in Yorubaland.” Olowu said.

    Responding, Oba Owoade thanked Oba Makama for his good gesture and warm reception.

    Oba Owoade said he has been monitoring Oba Makama for about two years now in the media how he has been promoting culture and traditions.

    Oba Owoade said he was excited with the admonition of Kabiyesi Olowu which for him really made the visit a worthwhile journey.

    The purpose of our visit is to thank you and like Kabiyesi Olowu mentioned, the unity of Yorubaland is paramount to me.

  • Owu Kingdom in history and the Olowu at 60: Lessons for community growth in Nigeria

    Owu Kingdom in history and the Olowu at 60: Lessons for community growth in Nigeria

    The Owu Kingdom occupies a most prominent place in the annals of Yorùbá history. According to written sources, Owu was established shortly after the advent of Oduduwa, a historical fact that explains the popular Yoruba saying that “Owu lakoda”, which according to Akin Mabogunje, means Owu was the first to be founded after Ile Ife. Drawing their ancestral root from the loins of Okanbi, Oduduwa’s son, therefore, the Owu forebears became embroiled, like other kingdoms, in the internecine warfare of the nineteen century that pit one Yoruba group against the other. It was from this historical cauldron of intense conflicts and the migration attending them that the Owu ancestors further consolidated their hardiness, courage and bravery, especially during the famous Owu War. And no other personality embodies this historical character than Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whose sociocultural and national persona, both as a statesman and a warrior earned him the title of Balogun of Owu. It is with a deep sense of pride therefore, that I always trumpet my association with Baba Obasanjo as a father, a stateman, a warrior and a trailblazer in Nigeria’s political development.

    These same values and traits recommend His Royal Majesty to us as a worthy predecessor, a truly courageous scion and custodian of a crown that his ancestors earned. Since His Majesty ascended the throne and for the past two years, we have witnessed an energetic replication of the same spirit of accomplishments, fearless disposition and ferocious commitment that his forebears displayed in their many battles and struggles to protect their ethnic identity, moral dignity, territorial integrity and communal development. For the past two years of monarchical oversight, no one can deny the modelling case of a generous, thoughtful, committed, foresighted and development-minded monarch that is defined by community development and compassionate leadership. Oba Matemilola also has the profundity of a professorial status that makes him an enlightened monarch carrying the weight of sociocultural refinement and progressive improvement of his people.

    In putting the Olowu in context of a commendable growing trend in Nigeria, I like to say that with the increasing number of urbane, educated, core professionals, accomplished elites, and cosmopolitan modern traditional rulers all around Nigeria, we have been witnessing a resurgence of radical rulership. One that is just not content with occupying a sinecure status and thereby harvesting elitist opportunism devoid of political and social capital that could be deployed to reconnect their people back to the democratic imperative in Nigeria. Traditional institutions as nodal point for social mobilization, along with community-based organisations (CBOs), had filled in for the comatose state system and local governments as organizing framework for vibrant local self-help, catering for the needs of the communities, far and above the capacities and capabilities government agencies, over the years. An opportunity is therefore building up with this corps of expanding demographics of exemplary leadership like the Olowu who have offered to cumulate their efforts into a bigger advocacy for enlarged influence in the governance space

    Read Also: 60th birthday: Olowu Kuta, a detrabilised Nigerian, says Buratai

    The Olowu’s brand and its significance therefore provides a veritable reference by which we can begin to understand the modernity of tradition. I had earlier argued that, Nigeria’s constitutional system notwithstanding, traditional institutions like the Obaship, Obis, Emirs, and all, have roles to play which cannot be interpreted as the rude intrusion of useless traditions. In other word, traditional rulership still wields sufficient local authority and indeed constitute enormous cultural and political capital in a measure that our refusal to recognize will continue to render constitutional order empty in terms of legitimacy, in spirit and in truth

    The status of His Majesty is even more significant when situated within the local-national governance dynamics in Nigeria. Just recently, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark judgment that goes a long way in reaffirming Nigeria’s federal status, and a possibility of a democratic redemption for our ongoing experiment in democratic governance. The local government areas constitute a legitimate tier of government that has suffered almost irreparable dysfunction due to our anomalous federalism. The framers of the Nigerian constitutions were wise in adopting a federalism that ensures that the government interfaces with the people at the level of local governance located at the local government areas. This is why the grassroots is where we need to transform our governance imperatives, and it is the traditional institutions and structures, supervised by the traditional rulers, that hold the key to this transformation. It is in this sense that the Olowu of Owu and his ilk—Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (the Obi of Onitsha), Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife), Oba Sikiru Adetona (Awujale of Ijebuland), and many more—have become exemplars of a traditional institution with a modern significance. As an erudite scholar and urbane professional, His Majesty the Olowu brings a certain wisdom, forthrightness and pragmatism to the monarchy in ways that our constitutional framework can no longer ignore. In recent times, the fortune of traditional rulers in Nigeria has plummeted tragically. And this is due in large measures to the willful character fault of those involved. And yet, we cannot afford to throw away the baby of the constitutional utility of these traditional rulers and the traditional institutions under their charge with the bath water of the immature endeavors of a few of them.  

  • Don’t politicise DSS, Olowu warns mischief makers

    Don’t politicise DSS, Olowu warns mischief makers

    Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has warned mischief makers to steer away from the activities of the Department of State Services (DSS) through unfounded allegations and narratives capable of affecting the morals of officers and rank and file of the service.

    Olowu, in a statement issued on Sunday, December 3, said the news making the rounds that the director general of the DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, has siphoned money meant for the payment of the N35,000 wage award approved by President Bola Tinubu, is not only unfounded but ridiculous.

    He said: “It is a known fact that the DSS’s salary and allowances are special and cannot be fully categorised as civil servants because the services are essential.

    “It’s also clear that the purveyors of the fake news intend to cause disaffection between the officers and the DG.”

    Olowu added that it is the prerogative of the president to choose who he wants to work with as far as the DSS DG position is concerned according to his wishes, saying that the security of the country should be paramount now more than ever.

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    He, however, advised that this is the time for all and sundry to demonstrate patriotism so that the country can overcome the economic challenges, noting that those behind the evil scheme should desist forthwith.

    The statement read: “With the little we know about the service, “Bichi” does not take the welfare packages of officers and personnel for granted, that’s why many operatives and stakeholders wish President Tinubu’s continuous retention of the DG.

    “The fake narrative is dead on arrival because the Service has been enjoying a series of packages even before President Tinubu came on board.

    “We have strong confidence in the pedigree of DG Yusufu Magaji Bichi, and the morale of the service personnel and officers is as high as their patriotic zeal.

    “But no doubt the morale of those seeking to be DG DSS” might have been low because they thought the President could be stampeded into action. God has time for everything.”