By Ibrahim A. Jagaba
The 2023, Owu descendants annual celebration of bountiful harvests, tagged ‘Odun Omo Olowu’ was held on Saturday, 28 October, 2023, expectedly kicking off at the traditional Ori Omi, Totoro, ground in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The event kicked off with mixed opening prayers including the traditionalists’ after which, Planning Committee Chairman for the year, Omo’oba Rotimi Olasode Martins, delivered his welcome address.
He, on behalf of the Olowu, welcomed Owu sons, daughters, friends and well wishers who all came from across the globe to celebrate the Owu festival of culture with Owu people.
This year’s event is tagged “New Dawn” owing to numerous developments recorded in past years.
The Planning Committee Chairman appreciated the Olowu, HRM Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola Oluyalo-Otileta VII, for the privilege to pilot the Planning Committee of the 2023 Odun Omo Olowu fiesta.
He also expressed appreciation to the Balogun of Owu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, all Owu Obas, Chiefs, Alakosos and Baales for their support and good counsel.
Martins also expressed appreciation to the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun not only for his presence at the occasion but also for support for the programme.
Speaking next, was the Prime Minister and Balogun of the Owu Kingdom, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, who went down on his kneel as a mark of homage to address the Olowu. He afterwards, addressed Owu sons and daughters present and appreciated guests from within and the Diaspora, who showed up to celebrate with the Owu people.
He admonished Owu descendants to embrace hard work, probity and charged them not to be ashamed to associate with women freely.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, made a dramatic appearance after initially excusing himself due to official duties.
The Governor congratulated the Owu heritage for past and present successes of the Owu festival of culture and promised continual support going forward.
Next was the address of HRM Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, the paramount ruler of the Owus across the world; in his words, 2023 festival is themed New Dawn to reflect remarkable transformation in socioeconomic development in the land of Owu.
He added that signs of great spiritual rejuvenation has birthed, calling on the owus to redouble efforts in supporting Owu heritage’s expansion.
Oba Olowu noted that numerous initiatives have been launched on all fronts, which pointedly brings to fore, the Egbeyemi dynasty strategic role and impact in the new found brilliance the Owu festival of culture currently enjoys.
An interestingly colourful side to the Odun Omo Olowu festival is the laudable commitment and contributions of the late Ekerin of Egbaland and Balogun of Owu kingdom, Chief Aminu Atanda Egbeyemi’s family.
The Egbeyemi dynasty kick-started their Owu day experience with fanfare, merriment and a tour of the historic Olumo Rock on Friday, 27 October, 2023.
Guests from the six geo-political zones of the country trooped in, in their numbers to identify with and celebrate the fiesta with an illustrious son of the oOwus and late Ekerin Egba’s grandson and heir apparent, CSP Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi, who received hundredths of guests and royalties from across the southwest region.
Among the guests were: HRH Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Kuraja, the Sarki Overall of Alimosho Local Govt. Lagos State and Leader of Northern Nigeria Youths in the South, Comrade, Amb. Sani Salisu Danmuttaqa, the Sarkin Samarin Yamma of the prestigious Sasa Emirate of Ibadan in Oyo State, amongst others.
Dressed in colourfully designed white Babariga, traditional long Yoruba cap and royal walking stick, the Egbeyemi dynasty cultural train rose from Omi after the conclusion of first rites, marched and dazzled through and past the street housing the prestigious Owu kingdom palace, which is just a stone throw from the late Ekerin Egba’s compound, culminating in euphoric gyration leading to full blown merriment with sumptuous meals garnished with choice drinks for all comers.
To say that, the Egbeyemi dynasty has created a niche for itself in the books of Odun Omo Olowu history, is to say the least and the key actor is no doubt, CSP Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi, who is famously addressed as the spiritual white lion by Lagosians and many more.
Even as a professional police officer, CSP Egbeyemi has been able to set uncommon heights in the ability to build, grow and reinforce oneness in many and by implication impacting security of lives and property positively in the form of community bond and policing
