With the commencement of the selection process for the installation of a new Olowo of Owo, kingmakers of the ancient town have disclosed that only one family is entitled to the throne.
According to the kingmakers, under the aegis of the Council of Senior Omo-Olowos, “The Elewuokun Family remains the umbrella body from which an Olowo will emerged.”
The Ojomo Oluda of Owo kingdom, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo who heads the Council of Senior Omo-Olowos, disclosed this at his palace as he announced that interested Princes must purchase N25,000 Prescribed form as against the rumoured price of N500,000.
It was gathered that the process to fill the vacant stool was in respect of the signal to the end of rites for the kingdom’s deceased monarch, late Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi.
Recall that late Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi who was given the staff of office as the Olowo of Owo in December 2003 by late Olusegun Agagu, former governor of Ondo State after succeeding his father in 1999 died in the early hours of April 17, 2019.
The Ojomo Luda who is also the Olijebu of Ijebu-Owo gave a stern warning to those with the intent to interfere with the selection process.
He emphasized that those saddled with the responsibility are experienced and incorruptible High Chiefs, which he said that the process will be handled in line with the town’s custom and tradition.
His words: “The process of selecting another Prince to put on the shoes that Olowo Folagbade left behind is about to commence. The process, we pray it will be peaceful, enjoyable and interesting in accordance with the age-long peaceful disposition of the people of this ancient town of the Yoruba people.
“Contrary to the diverse views canvassed by people, both informed and uninformed, on the pages of newspapers, social and electronic media, our process is simple, clearly defined, and not opened to manipulation by any individual or group of individuals. It is not a political issue, and is being handled by experienced, responsible and incorruptible members of the Ogho Royal family.”
“The Elewuokun Family remains the umbrella body from which an Olowo will emerged, any other opinions, conjecture remain those of whosoever is advocating them and are of no effect. We are bound by the extant Declaration and Laws of Ondo State. We shall also seek the assistance of our Spiritual Fathers in accordance with normal practice.
“The contest is opened to all qualified and interested Princes of the Elewuokun Family, and they are advised to pick up the Prescribed Form from the Secretariat of the Agba Omo-Olowos located at the Aafin Olowo. We have made the cost affordable at a modest fee of Twenty-five Thousand Naira only so as to provide a level playing ground for all the princes.”
He further hinted that the Olowo that will emerge must be someone who is in tune with the culture of the ancient town and will be able to continue from the remarkable spot where the late Olowo stopped.
“We appeal to all the people of Owo, our friends and we’ll wishers to join with us to conduct a peaceful and rewarding selection exercise.
“We are sourcing for an Oba who will be a leader to move the people of this ancient town to higher heights, we are shopping for an Oba who will be an inspiration to our people irrespective of their religious, personal or political inclinations, and we are hoping for an Oba who will be a bridge builder in Ondo State.
“We hope to get an Olowo who will make Owo great again,” he stated.
Elewuokun family is comprising of the Olagbegis, Ajikes and the Ogunoye family.
