The Towulade of Owu-Akinale in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, Otileta I, has rolled out activities to commemorate the first anniversary of his coronation, with the celebration featuring the unveiling of landmark development projects and a special honour for the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.).
The monarch, in a statement issued by his Media Office, described the anniversary as a celebration of peace, unity, purposeful leadership and the collective progress recorded by the community within one year of his reign.
He expressed gratitude to God, the Ogun State Government, traditional rulers, political leaders and the people of Owu-Akinale for their unwavering support since his ascension to the throne.
Oba Adediran particularly commended Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, as well as prominent traditional rulers, including the Olu of Ilaro and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle; the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, for their roles in promoting peace and development in the kingdom.
He also acknowledged the fatherly support and guidance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
One of the major highlights of the anniversary, according to the monarch, will be the recognition of NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), whom he described as a mentor, benefactor and a source of inspiration for nearly 30 years.
Oba Adediran said Marwa’s mentorship, encouragement and confidence in him over the years had significantly shaped his leadership journey, noting that the retired military officer’s distinguished record in public service and his uncompromising campaign against drug abuse continue to inspire Nigerians.
He called on citizens to sustain their support for the NDLEA and the Federal Government’s efforts to combat substance abuse, describing drug abuse as a major threat to national security, youth development and socio-economic progress.
Reaffirming his commitment to the transformation of Owu-Akinale, the traditional ruler pledged to deepen partnerships that would accelerate infrastructural development, improve healthcare delivery, strengthen education, enhance security and position the community as an emerging industrial hub.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the palace will commission several community development projects executed through collaborations with indigenes and corporate organisations.
The projects include the renovation of the ancient Town Hall into a modern palace, the ongoing construction of the Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, the reconstruction of the Baptist Church and Pastorium, and the construction of a new police station by Stellar Steel Company.
The week-long celebration, scheduled for July 22 to July 25, 2026, will feature a press conference, interfaith service, women’s programme, football competition, free medical outreach, project commissioning, chieftaincy installations, traditional cultural displays and a grand finale.
The Towulade appealed to sons and daughters of Owu-Akinale, friends of the community and other well-wishers to participate in the celebration and renew their commitment to building a more peaceful, united and prosperous kingdom.
