- Akeredolu optimistic reign would foster peace
Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye was yesterday crowned as the 32nd Olowo of Owo amid jubilation by his kinsmen, even as his topmost kinsman in Ondo State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, expressed optimism that the reign of the new monarch would strengthen the existing peace in the ancient community.
At the coronation ceremony at the Olowo Palace in Owo, which was graced by many royal fathers and eminent personalities from far and near, the Governor noted that the people of Owo have made the right choice in selecting Ogunoye as their new royal father.
He particularly praised the Senior Omo-Olowos, kingmakers and relevant stakeholders for the peaceful selection processes which culminated in Ogunoye’s emergence as the new monarch. He thanked Owo chiefs, youths and the entire people of the ancient town for their standing by the new monarch.
Akeredolu said the people of Owo are very lucky and have made the best decision ever by making Ogunoye their king, stressing that the new monarch is the kind of Kabiyesi the people of Owo Kingdom have longed for.
He declared that he has no doubt hat his reign would further bring peace and all-round development to the ancient town.
The governor also said his administration has decided not to intervene in the Chieftaincy matters including selection of traditional rulers in any part of the state, but would continue to allow the people to make their choice.
He urged the people of Owo Kingdom to continue to give the new monarch necessary support to succeed, just as he charged Oba Ogunoye to extend hands of fellowship to his co-contestants to collectively develop the ancient town.
At the event, the new monarch took his time to dance a special “Olusorope” dance.
Akeredolu equally paid tributes to the memories of the past Olowos for their good legacies.
He also used the occasion to assure the people of the state that the ongoing infrastructural development would cover every part of the state, adding that no area would be left untouched.
He disclosed that the ongoing flyover at Ore would be completed before December this year.
Earlier, the Ojumu of Owo Kingdom, Chief Olanrewaju Famakinwa explained that the rancour-free selection process could not have occurred without the determination of the people of Owo to bring out the best out of the process. He commended all stakeholders for the peaceful selection process.
He expressed hope that the new monarch would transform the ancient town in all aspects, saying that a new era has come to the kingdom with the coronation of Oba Ogunoye.
Highlights of the event were cultural display, and paying of homage by Chiefs from different quarters, among other side attractions.
The Hope
