The governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has congratulated Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye on his emergence as the Olowo-elect of Owo Kingdom.
The governor’s message follows reports he received from one of the Senior Omolowos (kingmakers), Chief Jamiu Ekungba on the outcome of the selection process which, according to him, was peaceful, democratic and procedural in line with the customs and tradition guiding the selection of an Olowo.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, the governor said even as the state government awaited a formal communication from the kingmakers as required by law, he was enamoured by the peaceful conduct that heralded the emergence of the Olowo-elect.
Specifically, Governor Akeredolu commended the peaceful manner in which the selection processes went since they began.
This, according to him, posited an enviable narrative that had dwarfed the needless tension which enveloped the ancient city of Owo since the commencement of the selection processes.
He said it was therefore apposite to submit that the ingenious democratic template enunciated by the kingmakers had produced the choice of Owo indigenes as demonstrated by the outcome of the selection.
The governor said he considered that as highly commendable and an enduring legacy for Owo kingdom.
While wishing Prince Ogunoye God’s wisdom and grace as he prepared to ascend the throne of his fore-bearers, Akeredolu appealed to the Olowo-elect to unite all sons and daughters of Owo kingdom.
He particularly enjoined Ogunoye to extend hands of fellowship to other contenders to the ancient throne before his emergence.
He said as Owo kingdom awaited the traditional rites that would culminate in the final coronation of the Olowo-elect, the governor said he was optimistic that Owo indigenes would take maximum advantage of the moment of fresh breath and savour the peaceful ambience that had berthed in the kingdom.
