By Banji Ayoola
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has congratulated Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye on his emergence as the Olowo-elect of Owo Kingdom.
His message came after reports he received from one of the Senior Omolowos (Kingmakers), Chief Jamiu Ekungba, on the outcome of the selection process which, according to him, was peaceful, democratic and procedural in line with the customs and tradition guiding the selection of an Olowo.
He said though the State Government awaits a formal written communication from the Kingmakers as required by law, yet he was enamoured by the peaceful conduct that heralded the emergence of the Olowo-elect.
Akeredolu in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo, commended the peaceful manner in which the selection processes went since they began.
This, according to him, posited an enviable narrative that has dwarfed the needless tension which enveloped the ancient City of Owo since the commencement of the selection processes.
He said “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 the Olowo-elect God’s wisdom and Grace as he prepares to ascend the throne of his forefathers, Akeredolu appealed to him 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, the Governor expressed 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.
According to him, the selection was peaceful, democratic and in line with the customs and tradition guiding the selection of an Olowo.
The governor said as the state government awaits a formal written communication from the kingmakers as required by the law, he was enamoured by the peaceful conduct that heralded the emergence of the Olowo-elect.
Wishing Prince Ogunoye God’s wisdom and grace as he prepares to ascend the throne of his forebearers, Akeredolu appealed 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.
Following is the government statement, entitled: “Akeredolu Congratulates Olowo-elect, Commends Peaceful Conduct:”
“The governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has congratulated Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye on his emergence as the Olowo-elect of OWO Kingdom.
The governor’s message follows reports he received from one of the Senior Omolowos (Kingmakers), Chief Jamiu Ekungba on the outcome of the selection process which, according to him, was peaceful, democratic and procedural in line with the customs and tradition guiding the selection of an Olowo.
The Governor said, even as the State Government awaits a formal written communication from the Kingmakers as required by law, he was enamoured by the peaceful conduct that heralded the emergence of the Olowo-elect.
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 indigeneswould take maximum advantage of this moment of fresh breath and savour the peaceful ambience that has berthed in the Kingdom.”
Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye emerged winner among his seventeen other brothers who contested for the Olowo stool.
The 18 contestants are: Ogunoye Akinola Olawamide, Ogunoye Philip Adegoke Adegbite, Olatunde Aragun Ogunoye, Ogunoye Adekolajo, Ogunoye Olanrewaju Adelotan, Ogunoye Ajibade Gbadegesin, Ogunoye Olatunde Aragun, Ogunoye Olugbemiga Peter and Ajike Olatubosun Olaueyemi.
Others are Olagbegi Mowasola, Ogunoye Michael Gboyega, Olateru Olagbegi Adesuyi, Olateru Olagbegi Olaleke, Ogunoye Emmanuel Ademola, Ogunoye Adegboyega Victor, Ajike Charles Adedayo, Ogunoye Monday Ogundeji and Ogunoye Olanrewaju Bernard.
Who is Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye?
Prince Ajbade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, aged 53, is a direct son of the late Oba Adekola Ogunoye II and Olori Yeyesa Adenike Ogunoye.
He attended Government Primary School, Owo and Owo High School, also in Owo for his primary and secondary education respectively.
Thereafter, he went to the then Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) where he bagged his first degree in Religious Studies and later a Master of Public Administration degree.
He attended Adekunke Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko and the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus for his Bachelor of Law degree and his BL respectively.
He spent 25 years in the Olowo palace with his late father, Oba Adekola Ogunoye, during which he went through the rigorous process of training in the art, culture, tradition and most especially, the burden surrounding the stool of Olowo.
Until his selection, he was a Secretary in the Government House and Protocol, Governor’s Office, Akure.
He is happily married to Mrs Olanike Ogunoye.
