Ololade Adeyanju/
Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, prostrated in reverence of the new Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III as the monarch formally ascended the throne of the historical town yesterday.
Speaking at the coronation ceremony, which drew a mammoth crowd of natives and visitors, Akeredolu declared that the people of Owo did not make a mistake with the choice of Oba Ogunoye as the new Olowo of Owo kingdom.
He described Oba Ogunoye as the monarch the people of Owo have always yearned for, while saluting the people for making a great choice.
The governor, who said he was at the event as a native of the town, described the coronation ceremony as remarkable for the people of the town.
He thanked the Omolowos and other chiefs involved in the selection process of the new King and the youths for standing by their choice.
He said: “Let us thank the Lord. I thank the Omolowos and all the chiefs that were involved in the selection process. I thank all the people of Owo for the peaceful exercise. I thank the youths for standing by the Oba.
“We respect the memories of our past Kings.The Olagbegi first, Olagbegi second and Olagbegi the third. Also, Agunoye first, Ogunoye second and now we have Ogunoye the third. We also respect the memory of the late Oba Ajike. Particularly, we respect the memory of Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III
“Our immediate past Oba had done his best. Let me acknowledge others who contested the throne with Oba Ajibade. Kabiyesi, please bring them together.”
The governor disclosed that it is a deliberate policy of his administration not to intervene in chieftaincy matters of any town, stressing that the people must make their choice themselves.
“We have a policy on Chieftaincy. This government decided deliberately that we will not intervene in chieftaincy. Let the people make their choice. Today gives us sign that Owo has made the best decision ever,” he said.
He urged the new Olowo to sustain the peace in the town.
See more photos of the ceremony:
