…Amid Visit, Owu Youth Forum Calls For Repositioning Of Yoruba Race
KOREDE DAMIFOGO
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, on Wednesday, paid a royal visit to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, in a significant show of Yoruba royal solidarity.
The visit, which took place at the Owu Palace in Abeokuta, was marked by pomp, tradition, and a deep sense of cultural pride, as both monarchs reaffirmed their shared commitment to the unity and progress of the Yoruba race.
Addressing the gathering, Oba Matemilola stressed the importance of love, peace, and cooperation among traditional rulers across Yorubaland.
“We are the pillars of our respective communities and of the larger society. It is important that we maintain peace and unity among ourselves to foster the progress of our people,” the Olowu said.
Welcoming the Alaafin to Abeokuta, Oba Matemilola described the visit as a continuation of the long-standing historical bond between the Owu and Oyo kingdoms.
He noted that the enduring friendship between the two royal houses should be preserved and strengthened for future generations.
In his remarks, Oba Owoade commended the Olowu for his warm reception and pledged continued collaboration between both palaces to promote Yoruba culture and heritage.
The Olowu also seized the moment to formally invite the Alaafin to the upcoming Odun Omo Olowu Festival, slated for October.
The annual festival brings together sons and daughters of the Owu Kingdom from across the globe in a celebration of identity, unity, and cultural heritage.
The Alaafin was welcomed with rich displays of Yoruba culture, including traditional drum performances, dance, and renditions of the Owu Anthem.
Meanwhile, the Owu Youth Forum led by Hon. Olawale Olajumoke joins other critical stakeholders of Owu Kingdom in welcoming the Alaafin of Oyo to Owu kingdom.
In his speech, the pioneer President, Hon. Olawale Olajumoke sang a song of unity, “Ife o, e je ka jo ni…” stressing the importance of love among Yoruba Obas as a precursor to unity and developmental progress.
He prayed that the fellowship hand that Alaafin extended will birth liberty and stability for the entire Yoruba race.
He drew the attention of the two highly ranking monarchs to the need for the repositioning of the Yoruba race and how the youths are counting on them for a breakthrough from the shackles of invaders who are now making land owners feel like strangers in their land – limiting their freedom.
The Alaafin stressed that his visit was deliberate in extending hand of love and fellowship to the entire Yoruba kings and kingdoms, as only this, can enable them to chart a new course in the emancipation of the Yoruba race.
Speaking as an authority in the Yoruba race, he blessed the Owu kingdom and prayed for her prosperity while registering his willingness to foster good relationship with Owu kingdom like other Yoruba lands.
With unmatched elation, the Olowu expressed his glee about the visit, underscoring the ancestral bond of centuries the two kingdoms share as brothers from Oduduwa.
After introducing the Alaafin to Owu kingdom in what is a pride of the Yoruba race, and a kingdom who has evolved through the dynamics of culture and tradition, he extended an open invitation to the Alaafin as regards the impending Odun Omo Olowu Annual Festival, one of the many ancestral celebrations of Owu kingdom in sustaining culture and traditions.
An event that will be held in the third week of October later this year. On a frank note, the Akobi Oodua expressed displeasure about how the traditional settings has been colonized politically and called for a colossal and holistic reintegration of the traditional council as a means to solve political issues from the grassroots.
The event was laced by lasting joy from both parties and indeed it is suffice to say that our progenitor will be proud that rather than rewriting history, it was being upheld.