Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has lauded the democratic and peaceful process employed to elect the new Olowo of Owo, Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.
The governor, who congratulated Prince Ogunoye on his emergence as the paramount ruler of Owo kingdom, commended the Senior Omo-Olowos (Kingmakers) for adhering to the customs and tradition guiding the process.
According to Akeredolu in a statement signed by his Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo, he was elated with the outcome following the reports he received from one of the Senior Omolowos (Kingmakers), Chief Jamiu Ekungba.
While stating that the state government awaits a formal written communication from the Kingmakers as required by law, Akeredolu said, “he was enamoured by the peaceful conduct that heralded the emergence of the Olowo-elect.
The statement added that, “Specifically, Governor Akeredolu commends the peaceful manner in which the selection processes went since they began.
“This according to him, posits an enviable narrative that has dwarfed the needless tension which enveloped the ancient City of OWO since the commencement of the selection processes.
“It is therefore, apposite to submit that the ingenious democratic template enunciated by the Kingmakers has produced the choice of Owo indigenes as demonstrated by the outcome of the selection. Mr
Governor considers this highly commendable and an enduring legacy for OWO Kingdom.
“While wishing Prince Ogunoye God’s wisdom and Grace as he prepares to ascend the throne of his forebearers, Governor Akeredolu appeals to the Olowo-elect to unite all sons and daughters of OWO Kingdom. He particularly enjoins Prince Ogunoye to extend hands of fellowship to other contenders to the ancient throne before his emergence.
“As OWO Kingdom awaits the traditional rites that will culminate in the final coronation of the Olowo-elect, Governor expresses optimism that OWO indigenes
would take maximum advantage of this moment of fresh breath and savour the peaceful ambience that has berthed in the Kingdom,” the statement read.
