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, who is 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 on last Wednesday, approved Matemilola’s appointment as the new Olowu.
The Owu kingmakers, led by Obasanjo, had screened seven princes jostling for the vacant stool of the Olowu following the death 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, “This is the fastest time that a new king will be filling a vacant seat at the passage of our departed monarch. We have preserved our culture and tradition and we must not allow our culture go into 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.”
Prayers were offered to the new monarch by Christian, Muslim and traditional leaders.
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