Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, received the newly selected Olowu of Owu kingdom, Prof. Saka Matemilola, at his old residence in Ita-Iyalode, Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.
Obasanjo, the Balogun of Owu kingdom, assured the monarch of his support and that of the sons and daughters of the kingdom.
The state government had last Wednesday approved the appointment of Matemilola as the new Olowu.
The Owu kingmakers, led by Obasanjo, had screened seven princes jostling for the vacant stool of the Olowu following the demise of the late Oba Adegboyega Dosumu, who joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021.
Matemilola’s meeting with Obasanjo and other high chiefs signified the commencement of his traditional rites, which would last for six months.
Presenting the new monarch to the chiefs and others, Obasanjo said, “When the late king died, the Owu kingdom did what has never been done in the Owu kingdom as Christians, Muslims and traditionalists we gathered to celebrate the life of the late monarch.
“We (kingmakers) did what we are supposed to do, and some people were not happy with us, but we thank God that after the kingmakers completed their assignment, the state government approved his appointment.
“This is the fastest time that a new king will fill a vacant seat at the passage of our departed monarch. We have preserved our culture and tradition, and we must not allow our culture to go to extinction.
“I want to assure you (Matemilola) of my unalloyed support and the support of the entire sons and daughters of Owu kingdom in your journey as the new Olowu of Owu kingdom.”
Christian, Muslim and traditional leaders offered prayers to God for the new monarch.
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