Author: Tolulope
Orunto Abiodun Lasile bags Chairmanship, Dare Folarin emerges Vice Chairman New set of Executive Members have been elected to steer the ship of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in Ogun State for the next two years. The Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Lasile was elected as the Chairman while Pastor Dare Folarin was elected Vice Chairman. Others include Mr. Matthew Simpa who was elected as General Secretary at the November monthly meeting held at Simeon Adebo Library, Abeokuta. Mr. Gbenga Ogunsola was elected Treasurer, Samuel Ogunyinka Public Relations Officer and Akinyemi Makinde as Assistant Secretary. The newly elected members…
“Honoured to receive this prestigious award from the Egba Youths of NYCN Ogun State for my consistency in human capacity development in Egbaland and paper presentation at the Egba Legacy Summit held at Abeokuta Club. Dedicated to serving humanity and contributing to the greater good.” -Abiodun Lasile DL MnbRÂ Orunto Baalufe Owu Kingdom AbeokutaÂ
The grand finale of the Odun Omo Olowu 2025, held at Oba Odeleye Park, Sokori Ori-Omi, Abeokuta, was marked by cultural splendour, royal dignity, and a powerful message from His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom and former President of Nigeria. In his address during the celebration, Chief Obasanjo delivered a heartfelt charge to Nigerians living abroad, urging them to ensure that their children learn and uphold the Yoruba language, values, and traditions so they do not lose their identity in foreign lands. He emphasized that culture is not merely a symbol of heritage but…
On Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Palace of Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Alayeluwa Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, conferred chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons and daughters of Owu in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the community. The colorful conferment ceremony took place during the Odun Omo Olowu 2025 Festival, a grand celebration of Owu heritage, unity, and excellence. Among the newly installed chiefs were: Princess Grace Oluwafunmilayo Jimoh as Erelu Oluyalo Mr. Oluwatoyin Wasiu Jimoh as Aare Akinrogun Chief Mrs. Remilekun Mulikat Opere as Sarumi Iyalode Mr. Akingbade John Adewale as Akinlagun…
The Grand Finale of Odun Omo Olowu 2025 was a majestic convergence of royal fathers, dignitaries, and guests from across Egbaland and beyond. The festival, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, once again showcased the unity, dignity, and shared history of the Egba people. In his goodwill message, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, Okukenu IV, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, commended Alayeluwa, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, for his visionary leadership and for hosting such a culturally vibrant and unifying festival. Alake of…
Thursday, 30th October, 2025 At Abeokuta Club 2025 National Youth Day Summit and Award Presentation in Ogun State, held under the auspices of youths and stakeholders of Egbaland, comprising the six local government areas of the central district. I was honoured to serve as a keynote speaker at the event, alongside Chief Tunde Delu, Special Senior Assistant to the Governor, at Abeokuta Club. I was also distinguished as an award winner of the “Custodian of Youth”
“We gather to celebrate our shared humanity, development, and the storied history of our great Owu heritage (people). As the foremost descendants of Oduduwa, the revered founder of the Yoruba nation, we honour our distinct culture and character. Our reputation for dependability and trustworthiness is well-deserved, and we are proud to uphold these values.”
Introduction: In traditional Yoruba culture, kingmakers hold a revered position, selecting and crowning monarchs who embody wisdom, leadership, and community values. While royal lineage plays a role, kingmakers ensure the chosen candidate possesses the necessary qualities to lead effectively, balancing birthright with merit and community consensus. This ancient institution underscores the importance of collective involvement in leadership selection. In the context of traditional Yoruba culture, the phrase “Kingmaker” refers to individuals or groups who play a significant role in selecting and crowning monarchs, such as Obas. The kingmakers often comprise influential chiefs, elders, or other high-ranking members of the community…
The Owu people and culture are indeed distinct, with a notable characteristic being their strong values and high standards. The saying ‘Owu is difficult to serve and to lead’ underscores this notion, suggesting that their commitment to their principles can make it challenging for others to work with or lead them. This trait can be attributed to their desire for individuality and uniqueness. The fact that older generations have observed and acknowledged this aspect of Owu culture lends credibility to its significance. While this strong sense of independence can pose a challenge for leaders aiming to achieve specific objectives, it’s…
The weight of our collective destiny rests on the shoulders of every individual who possesses the power to shape the future. Yet, a pervasive malaise seems to have taken hold, a phenomenon aptly described as the African followership syndrome of resilience and helplessness. This paradoxical blend of endurance and hopelessness has become a defining characteristic of our collective psyche, hindering our progress and stifling our potential. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the path forward demands a renewed sense of purpose and agency. It’s time to confront the status quo…