Posted by From Toba Suleiman in Abeokuta on
President Olusegun Obasanjo at the weekend paid homage to the new Olowu of Owu in Abeokuta, Oba Adegboyega Olusanya Dosunmu.
President Olusegun Obasanjo at the weekend paid homage to the new Olowu of Owu in Abeokuta, Oba Adegboyega Olusanya Dosunmu.
The president who was in Holland when the Ogun State government announced the selection, was accompanied by the state governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel to the palace at Oke Ago-Owu-Abeokuta.
Obasanjo whose countenance betrayed a sense of satisfaction and an accomplishment of one's personal desire was embraced by the Oba-elect.
Pressed by reporters to comment on his visit to the palace, President Obasanjo reluctantly said he was there to greet his kabiyesi.
The president who declined further comment on other questions posed, later held a closed door meeting with the personalities in Owu, including Prince Bola Ajiokla a prince, Alhaji M Ola Yusuf, the Otun Owu and other high chiefs.
The Oba-elect who had initially met with the kingmakers and other high chiefs charged indigenes home and in the diaspora to close ranks and resolve whatever differences they had for the sake of development of the community, the state and the nation in general.
He said his focus would be on how to develop the community in all ramifications in the interest of the people. And added that Owu occupied a strategic position in the socio-political development of the nation and as such could not afford to be in conflict.
The new Olowu assured his people that the vintage position that Owu had attained in the history of the nation would be jealously guarded and improved upon.
He noted further that success could be achieved through the collective efforts of all the subjects.
In his own contribution on the occasion, another prominent Owu indigene, Prince Bola Ajibola noted that though there could be differences about who became the new Olowu, whether in qualification, qualities, and status but the choice must be a direct descendant of Oba or a ruling house from Owu as stated in the chieftaincy declaration of the Owu community.
Describing Prince Dosunmu as knowledgeable and fair-minded choice that would always ensure equity amongst his subjects, Prince Ajibola affirmed that all the kingmakers unanimously partook in the selection of prince Dosunmu as the new Olowu.
In their various responses, the Akogun of Owu and head of the kingmakers, Chief Rufus Onifade, the Otun of Owu, Alhaji M. Ola Yusuf and Bashorun of Owu Bashorun Doja Adewolu, said Owu people were happy to have as well respected and popular personality like prince Dosunmu as their monarch.
They all commended the state government for its maturity and understanding during the course of the selection.
The new Olowu, who is a member of Amororo ruling house, is a graduate of Theology from the US and was a chairman of Abeokuta Local Government between 1976-1980.