The kingdom of Owu in Ogun State stood still as it hosted both royal and high society guests at the installation and coronation of the 14th Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, on Saturday, October 29, 2022, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The elated king, who received a certificate and staff of office from the governor of the state, Dapo Abiodun, could not hide his joy as he beamed with smiles.
The new king has a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Before his ascension to the throne, he was a visiting scholar at the Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He sits on the board of various companies, such as Motus Technology Limited, City Roller Limited, and Cypher Crescent Limited. He also belongs to the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigeria Council), and is a Fellow of the Cambridge Philosophical Society.
He has also been said to have contributed immensely to the development of his community by providing boreholes, monthly feeding allowance to the underprivileged, dedicated financial support for healthcare, school facilities, and other philanthropic deeds.
While congratulating Oba Matemilola, the governor urged him to use his skills to elevate the kingdom.
He wrote in part, “I congratulate Oba Saka Matemilola, Oluyalo-Otileta VII, on his coronation as the 14th Olowu and Paramount Ruler of the Ancient Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta; as I also felicitate former President and the Balogun and traditional Prime Minister of Owu Kingdom, Olusegun Obasanjo; and the entire Owu Kingdom on the celebration of yet another ‘Òdún OmO Olówu’.
“For our newly coronated Kabiyesi, this is a call to service and I know that he possesses the requisite skills, comportment and experience to steer the ship of the kingdom to greater heights.”
Personalities at the event include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo; former governors of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun; among others.
