The kingmakers of the ancient town of Owo have stated that only one family is entitled to the throne of the Olowo of Owo. They made this known as the selection process for a new Olowo of Owo commences.
The kingmakers, under the aegis of the Council of Senior Omo-Olowos, stated that “The Elewuokun Family remains the umbrella body from which an Olowo will emerged.”
The Ojomo Oluda of Owo kingdom, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo who heads the Council of Senior Omo-Olowos, announced at his palace that interested Princes must purchase N25,000 Prescribed form as against the rumoured price of N500,000.
The announcement for a new Olowo of Owo came following the end of rites of the deceased king, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, who died in the early hours of April 17, 2019.
He was given the staff of office as the Olowo of Owo in December 2003 by late Olusegun Agagu, former governor of Ondo State.
Issuing a stern warning to those with interest to disrupt the selection process, the Ojomo Luda who is also the Olijebu of Ijebu-Owo said:
“The process of selecting another Prince to put on the shoes that Olowo Folagbade left behind is about to commence. The process, we pray it will be peaceful, enjoyable and interesting in accordance with the age-long peaceful disposition of the people of this ancient town of the Yoruba people.
“Contrary to the diverse views canvassed by people, both informed and uninformed, on the pages of newspapers, social and electronic media, our process is simple, clearly defined, and not opened to manipulation by any individual or group of individuals. It is not a political issue, and is being handled by experienced, responsible and incorruptible members of the Ogho Royal family.”
“The Elewuokun Family remains the umbrella body from which an Olowo will emerged, any other opinions, conjecture remain those of whosoever is advocating them and are of no effect. We are bound by the extant Declaration and Laws of Ondo State. We shall also seek the assistance of our Spiritual Fathers in accordance with normal practice.
“The contest is opened to all qualified and interested Princes of the Elewuokun Family, and they are advised to pick up the Prescribed Form from the Secretariat of the Agba Omo-Olowos located at the Aafin Olowo. We have made the cost affordable at a modest fee of Twenty-five Thousand Naira only so as to provide a level playing ground for all the princes.”
He added that the new Olowo has to be someone who is in tune with the culture of the ancient town and continue from where the late Olowo stopped.
“We appeal to all the people of Owo, our friends and we’ll wishers to join with us to conduct a peaceful and rewarding selection exercise.
“We are sourcing for an Oba who will be a leader to move the people of this ancient town to higher heights, we are shopping for an Oba who will be an inspiration to our people irrespective of their religious, personal or political inclinations, and we are hoping for an Oba who will be a bridge builder in Ondo State.
“We hope to get an Olowo who will make Owo great again,” he stated.
