...As Obasanjo, Alaafin, Ogun Governor, Others Commend Olowu’s Leadership
The ancient Owu Kingdom in Ogun State came alive with rich cultural displays, colourful processions, decorated horses and royal ceremonies as the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu climaxed in a grand celebration, attracting prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, dignitaries and Owu indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The 13-day festival, which commenced on October 19, 2026, was celebrated under the theme, “Awakening to Action: Strengthening the Owu Legacy,” reflecting a renewed determination by the kingdom to consolidate its cultural heritage, promote unity and accelerate socio-economic development.
The grand finale also provided an opportunity for prominent personalities to pay glowing tributes to the leadership of the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo I, Otileta VII, whose reign has continued to strengthen the traditional institution and foster greater unity among Owu communities.
The festival featured visits to developmental projects, royal tours of Owu townships within and outside Abeokuta, homage-paying ceremonies and various cultural activities celebrating the history, identity and enduring traditions of the Owu people.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, congratulated the Olowu and the entire sons and daughters of Owu Kingdom for sustaining a festival that promotes cultural preservation and collective development.
The governor described the theme as a compelling call to collective responsibility, purposeful leadership and renewed commitment to the values that define the kingdom.
He noted that the theme challenged the people to translate their shared history and cultural pride into practical actions capable of advancing unity, economic growth, youth empowerment and sustainable community development.
According to him, the reign of Oba Matemilola has provided an important platform for promoting peace, strengthening traditional institutions and building a common vision for the future of Owu Kingdom.
The governor particularly commended the monarch's dedication to preserving the kingdom's cherished customs and upholding the dignity of the traditional institution.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, described Odun Omo Olowu as more than an annual cultural festival, saying it represents a profound celebration of identity, unity, valour and the rich cultural heritage of the Owu people.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo expressed the local government's pride in hosting several Owu communities, including Oke-Ago Owu, Owu Ikija, Totoro, Elega and Ita-Oshin.
He also applauded the purposeful leadership of the Olowu, particularly through initiatives such as the Olowu Hope Initiative, youth empowerment programmes, educational support and advocacy for peace and development.
According to him, these interventions have continued to promote cultural renaissance, strengthen traditional institutions and inspire collective responsibility among the people.
The council chairman further commended Owu indigenes for their unity and invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of Abeokuta North, Egbaland and the country at large.
In his address, an elated Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, described Odun Omo Olowu as the flagship festival of the kingdom and a special season when the heart of Owu beats as one.
Reflecting on his journey since ascending the throne in 2022, the monarch recalled that the kingdom had, three years earlier, proclaimed the beginning of a new era with the theme, “A New Dawn.”
He, however, stressed that the time had come to move beyond promises and aspirations to purposeful action.
“Dawn is a promise, but it is not the day itself. The sun doesn't rise for us to keep sleeping. This year, our theme answers that call: Awakening to Action — Strengthening the Owu Legacy,” the monarch declared.
Oba Matemilola emphasised that the legacy bequeathed by the forefathers was not merely meant to be admired but served as a foundation upon which present and future generations must build.
While acknowledging the renewed spirit and growing commitment to a common purpose among Owu indigenes, he urged the people to translate enthusiasm into tangible achievements, ideas into enterprises and goodwill into sustainable development.
“We must wake up. The time for waiting has passed, and the time for action is now. Together, let us strengthen the Owu Legacy and show that the kingdom is awake, united, and moving forward,” he charged.
The celebration also attracted goodwill messages from former President and Balogun of Owu Kingdom, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the 46th Alaafin.
Both eminent personalities congratulated the Olowu and the people of Owu Kingdom, commending the monarch's leadership and fatherly disposition in providing a unifying platform for Owu indigenes to reconnect and reaffirm their identity as one indivisible people.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Akingbogun of Owu Kingdom and Chairman of the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu Planning Committee, Chief (Prof.) Moruf Lanrewaju Adelekan, disclosed that this year's celebration had been expanded into a 13-day programme of socio-cultural activities.
He noted that the theme was a reflection of the vision, philosophy and practical developmental agenda of Oba Matemilola since his emergence as the paramount ruler of Owu Kingdom.
Chief Adelekan stated that the monarch had successfully rekindled the Owu spirit and strengthened relationships among the 39 Owu communities spread across five states in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
He further revealed that the monarch's leadership had encouraged many Owu indigenes to return home and invest in the collective development of their ancestral communities.
He also highlighted the growing participation of Owu indigenes in the diaspora, noting that many had become actively involved in community development, assumed chieftaincy responsibilities and participated in biennial global meetings aimed at advancing the interests of the kingdom.
Owu indigenes, various socio-cultural groups, royal fathers and Baales from different Owu towns and communities paid homage to the Olowu, presented fruits and offered prayers for the continued progress, peace and prosperity of the kingdom.
A major highlight of the celebration was the procession of all the Baloguns on beautifully decorated horses, while cultural troupes thrilled guests and spectators with traditional performances that showcased the rich and vibrant heritage of the Owu people.
The colourful displays, traditional homage and enthusiastic participation of sons and daughters of the kingdom further underscored the enduring relevance of the festival as a vehicle for cultural preservation, unity and communal development.
The 2026 Odun Omo Olowu consequently transcended the boundaries of an ordinary cultural celebration, emerging as a powerful statement of unity, identity and collective aspiration.
With its message of awakening and purposeful action, the festival reaffirmed the determination of the Owu people, under the leadership of Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, to preserve their ancestral heritage, strengthen existing bonds and build a legacy that will inspire generations yet unborn
Dignitaries in attendance included: Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (YAYI) , Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo Bello , Hon. Olumide Osoba , Hon.Taiwo Oludotun, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu (Lado) amongst other dignitaries.
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