Obasanjo meets, prostrates before new Yoruba king, Olowu

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, met with the new Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola.

As usual, the former military general bowed for the newly approved traditional ruler as a show of respect to the crown, reaffirming the predominance of Yoruba Obas over the ruled, no matter how one’s position.

The newly approved traditional king, who is just starting the necessary six months of traditional rites, met the Balogun of Owu, at his old Ita-Iyalode residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

While presenting the traditional monarch to other Owu chiefs and indigenes, the former Nigerian leader gave him assurance of his support and that of the sons and daughters of the kingdom.

The former President said this was the fastest time a new traditional ruler would be occupying a vacant Olowu stool after the passing of an Oba, saying “We have preserved our culture and tradition and we must not allow our culture go into extinction.”

The former president said he was satisfied with the manner the selection of the new king by the kingmakers got the approval of the Ogun State Government last Wednesday, even though some people were dissatisfied with the kingmakers.

“We did what we are supposed to do and some people were not happy with us, but we thank God that the state government approved his (Matemilola’s) appointment,” he said.

“I want to assure you of my unalloyed support and the support of the entire sons and daughters of Owu kingdom in your journey as the new Olowu,” Obasanjo told the new Oba.