…Olowu hails monarch’s one-year achievements, backs ongoing community transformation
Ogun Monarch, Towulade of Owu-Akinale, His Royal Majesty Oba Oluseyi Adediran, has installed the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, as the Asiwaju Agbaakin of Owu-Akinale with installations of other distinguished personalities as chiefs of the ancient community.
The installation ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, was held on Thursday in Owu-Akinale, as the monarch described the new chieftaincy title as a recognition of Olanrewaju’s contributions and commitment to the development of the community.
Speaking at the event, the Towulade expressed appreciation to all those who attended the ceremony, assuring the people that he would continue to promote and project the image of Owu-Akinale.
The monarch also stated some of the developmental initiatives and community support projects taking place in Owu-Akinale. He disclosed that a free medical outreach was organised as part of the activities, with medical experts available to conduct tuberculosis tests and provide free medication with support from the United Nations.
Oba Adediran expressed special appreciation to the Adebayo family, particularly Engr. Oluwole Babatunde Adebayo, the Akogun of Owu-Akinale, for the total rebuilding of the Baptist Church, Owu-Akinale, as well as the Pastorium for the use of the Christian community over the last decade.
He also commended Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi, CEO of Mogbadewa Foundation, for his contribution to the community.
According to the Towulade, “You remodeled and completely renovated our ancient and dilapidated Town Hall, whose foundation was laid on April 7, 1978, into a befitting and modern Palace. We remain eternally grateful. May God meet all your heart desires.”
Speaking on the Owu-Akinale Health Centre, the monarch said the foundation of the facility was laid on the day of his coronation by the Olowu of Owu, adding that the project had now been adopted by Chief and Mrs Yemi Odebiyi, the Asoludero of Owu-Akinale, in memory of their beloved parent.
He disclosed that the health facility would be known as the Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, Owu-Akinale, and would be commissioned in December, by God’s grace.
The Towulade also appreciated the management of Stellar Steel Company for partnering with the Towulade Educational Trust Fund to provide school bags for all pupils of Baptist Primary School, Owu-Akinale.
He further disclosed that the company had taken over the construction of the Police Station in the community, which, according to him, was already 70 per cent completed.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, commended the Towulade for his achievements within one year of his reign, describing the ongoing developmental projects as evidence of God’s answer to the monarch’s prayers for the community.
He said, “You will all see that in one year that God chose Towulade of Akinale, we can all see the wonders he has been doing. God has answered his prayers on the development of this community.”
The Olowu also appreciated Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi for his support for the Towulade and the Owu-Akinale community, as well as the management of Stellar Steel Company for its intervention in the construction of the police post.
According to him, “The construction of the police post will also assist in the security of the community.”
Oba Matemilola further praised the Towulade for possessing the spirit of public service and also commended the Olori of Akinale , Chief Mrs Olufolake Adediran for supporting the monarch.
He urged the people of Owu-Akinale to continue to support the Towulade, stressing that the monarch could not develop the community alone without the support of the chiefs, sons and daughters of the community.
He said, “To the community, you have seen the effort of the Kabiyesi, I want to urge you not to leave him. All the sons and daughters of Akinale that you know they can help us develop this community, let them come and see the development that is going on in Akinale. The Kabiyesi cannot do it alone without the support of the chiefs.”
The Olowu expressed optimism that with the continued support of the people, Owu-Akinale would witness significant development in the coming years.
“If you stand firm by him, within two or three years there will be development in the community,” he added.
Reacting to the conferment of the chieftaincy title, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, dedicated the honour to his parents, acknowledging their sacrifices and efforts in shaping his life and career.
He said, “I dedicate this chieftaincy to my parents for their efforts and sacrifices to make me who I am today. I was chosen not because I’m the best, but because I am one out of the best.”
Olanrewaju assured the Towulade and the people of Owu-Akinale that he would contribute his quota to the development of the community and uphold the qualities that earned him the prestigious title.
He added, “I assure you that I will ensure that I contribute my own quota to the development of Owu-Akinale, and I will continue in whatever those qualities that are in me that warranted them to give me the chieftaincy title, and I’ll improve on it.”
The NUJ chairman expressed gratitude to the Towulade for finding him worthy of the honour, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by the traditional institution and the people of Owu-Akinale.
