When history is eventually written about the contemporary evolution of traditional institutions in Nigeria, the reign of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, Olowu of Owu Kingdom, will undoubtedly occupy a conspicuous spatial. The reason is not far-fetched. There are monarchs who inherit crowns, and there are monarchs who redefine them. In the annals of the Owu Kingdom, the reign of His Royal Majesty, Oba Matemilola, belongs to the latter category.

Ascending the revered throne of his forefathers four years ago, Oba Matemilola inherited not only one of the most historically significant crowns in Yorubaland but also the enormous responsibility of preserving a rich cultural heritage while positioning the Owu Kingdom for relevance in a rapidly changing world, and bringing to the fore uncommon dignity, intellectual depth and global visibility to the ancient stool.

For Oba Matemilola, the celebration, a week-long lineup of events which began on Monday July 27, 2026, transcends the customary rituals of royalty. It is a fitting moment to evaluate a reign that has steadily repositioned the Owu monarchy as a beacon of enlightened traditional leadership, cultural renaissance and global engagement.

Four years may be a relatively short period in the lifespan of an ancient kingdom whose history spans centuries, yet the impact of Oba Matemilola has been profound, visible and enduring. His reign has injected fresh vitality into the traditional institution while preserving the values that have defined the Owu people since antiquity.

One of the greatest distinctions of Oba Matemilola is that he ascended the throne not merely as a prince but as an accomplished scholar and seasoned administrator. Long before destiny beckoned him to the palace, he had built a remarkable reputation in academia and public service.

That intellectual foundation has become one of the defining characteristics of his monarchy.

His speeches are thoughtful, his interventions analytical, and his decisions reflective of a leader who appreciates both history and the demands of contemporary governance.

Oba Matemilola is a Monarch Who Unites. One of the greatest challenges confronting many communities today is division.

Kabiyesi represents a new generation of Nigerian traditional rulers who understand that the palace must remain relevant not only as the custodian of culture but also as an institution capable of inspiring social transformation. Indeed, his reign demonstrates that scholarship and royalty are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.

The Owu Kingdom occupies a unique place in Yoruba history. From the legendary Owu wars to the eventual resettlement in Abeokuta, the kingdom has remained one of the most influential traditional institutions in Yorubaland. The Olowu stool therefore carries immense historical significance.

Since his enthronement in 2022, Oba Matemilola has worked tirelessly to elevate the prestige of that stool beyond ceremonial functions. Through strategic engagements with governments, academic institutions, diplomatic communities, cultural organisations and development partners, he has projected Owu Kingdom onto national and international platforms.

Today, the Olowu is increasingly recognised as one of Nigeria’s most intellectually respected traditional rulers—a monarch whose opinions command attention because they are informed by wisdom, scholarship and patriotism.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable features of Oba Matemilola’s reign is his international outlook. In an era where traditional institutions must increasingly engage the global community, the Olowu has emerged as an effective ambassador of Owu heritage and Yoruba civilisation.

His participation in international engagements has strengthened cultural diplomacy, fostered valuable relationships and projected the rich traditions of Owu Kingdom beyond Nigeria’s shores. These interactions have not merely enhanced the visibility of the kingdom; they have also opened conversations around tourism, investment, cultural exchange and diaspora engagement. The monarch understands that in today’s interconnected world, kingdoms can no longer afford to remain isolated, and does not view development as an abstract concept.

Throughout the past four years, he has consistently advocated stronger partnerships capable of improving education, healthcare, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development.

Rather than limiting the role of traditional rulers to ceremonial functions, he has demonstrated that royal institutions can become catalysts for sustainable development.

His palace increasingly serves as a meeting point where ideas are exchanged, collaborations initiated and solutions pursued for the benefit of the people. That developmental philosophy has become one of the enduring hallmarks of his reign.

Avid watchers of the traditional institution in Nigeria say the Olowu’s reign has witnessed renewed emphasis on cultural preservation, traditional festivals, historical documentation and the promotion of indigenous values. He recognises that culture is not simply entertainment but the moral compass that binds generations together. By encouraging young people to embrace their heritage while equipping them for modern realities, the Olowu has successfully bridged the divide between tradition and contemporary society.

Oba Matemilola is a Monarch Who Unites. One of the greatest challenges confronting many communities today is division. The Olowu has consistently responded to this challenge by promoting reconciliation, dialogue and unity.

He has repeatedly reminded Owu sons and daughters—both at home and in the diaspora—that genuine development is impossible without collective purpose. His leadership style is inclusive rather than divisive. He listens before he speaks and consults before decisions are taken. His unique style encourages consensus rather than confrontation. These qualities have strengthened confidence in the traditional institution and reinforced the palace as a symbol of communal harmony.

Significantly, there is the human face and empathy he applies in nearly all situations. Despite the dignity and grandeur associated with the throne, those who have encountered Oba Matemilola frequently speak of his humility, warmth and accessibility. He possesses an uncommon ability to make people feel valued regardless of status. That rare combination has endeared him to many beyond Owu Kingdom. It also explains why respect for his leadership continues to grow across Ogun State and Nigeria.

For the entire span of this week, till Sunday 2nd August, 2026, as the fourth anniversary of Oba Matemilola’s coronation is being commemorated, there is ample justification for celebration. Every anniversary is both a celebration and a reminder, celebrating, on the one hand, accomplishments, while serving as a reminder that history is still being written.

For Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, the first four years have established a firm foundation for what promises to be an enduring and impactful reign. Indeed, the Owu Kingdom has every reason to celebrate a monarch who has become more than a custodian of tradition. He has emerged as a bridge between the past and the future, between culture and development, between scholarship and royalty.

As drums echo across Owu land and goodwill messages pour in from within Nigeria and beyond, one sentiment rises above all others: gratitude for a reign that has brought honour to the throne and pride to the Owu people.

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Ogunleye, the traditional ruler of Akinale Town in Owu chiefdom of Ogun, died on Wednesday, June 19,  in the United Kingdom after a brief illness at the age of 79.

Obasanjo, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the death of the Oba was shocking, having informed him about his travelling some weeks back in high spirits.

Meanwhile, the Owu Traditional Council formally announced the demise of the Oba on Thursday.

Obasanjo, who is in South Africa for the second term inauguration ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa, said Nigeria, as a whole, would miss Ogunleye for his resourcefulness and promotion of the cultural heritage of his homestead.

Source: NAN

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Governor Abiodun, who made this known on Friday during the burial ceremony of the late revered elder statesman at the Green Legacy Resorts Hall, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, noted that his departure would leave a vacuum not only in the lives of his immediate family but also the state.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun noted that the late Maj. Gen. Opaleye played notable roles while in active service of the Nigerian Army, among which were Military Administrator of old Ondo State, Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Commander of the Organisation of African Union’s neutral military observer Corps in Rwanda, as well as his role in the country’s peace agreement.

He noted that at retirement, the deceased continued to live a life of impact by playing a pivotal role in Owu Kingdom, where he was Balogun, alongside serving as a cabinet member of the Olowu in Council.

He pointed out that since he resumed office as governor, General Opaleye remained supportive of his administration by giving wise counsel where and when necessary.

The number one citizen in the state expressed heartfelt condolences of the government and the people of the state to his widows, children, grandchildren and the extended family he left behind, praying that God grants them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and eternal rest to the departed.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, who said the late military administrator introduced due process which the state still followed, described him as a committed Christian, father, diligent, urging the children and family members to emulate him.

Acknowledging the deceased’s humility, fear of God and contributions to the church’s development despite his position in the society, Most Superior Evangelist Olusegun Olarinde, in his sermon, noted that death is a debt, imploring people to be diligent and extend hand of fellowship to other people.

Also speaking, the only daughter of the deceased, Navy Cdr. Abiola Oluwole-Smith, described her father as loving, caring, disciplined, passionate, calm, a rare gem, and the only one who shares her woes and successes.

She added that the deceased was an embodiment of genuine love, honesty, humility and family man, who would be greatly missed.

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Venue of the event is the Reception Centre of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Abeokuta at 11 a.m.

The book is titled: “Owu Akinale In Contemporary Abeokuta: The Reflections of a Journalist, PR Icon, Law Scholar and Traditional Ruler.”

Oba Ogunleye, a veteran journalist, was in his hey days especially in the 70’s an accomplished Aviation Reporter after which he was appointed as Spokesman/General Manager, Public Relations of the defunct Nigeria Airways.

At close to 80 when he marks his birthday next year, Oba Ogunleye is at the verge of bagging a PhD in Law at the Babcock University, Ilishan next few months.

The Towulade of Akinale is a lover of education and learning as throughout his 70s he enrolled for a first degree Law Programme at Crescent University, Abeokuta and later followed up with a Master’s and the present PhD programme which he started about three years ago.

The book is the monarch’s reflections on Owu Akinale in contemporary Abeokuta as well as an informed, educative and entertaining account of a participant witness and reporter of the historical records of his ancestral homeland.

Speaking in an interview, Oba Ogunleye said: “The book is an analysis of the need to codify the roles of traditional rulers in Nigeria in the Constitution and this makes the book a must read by the traditional institution in Nigeria.”

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Oyetola, who was  fielding questions from international media organizations – BBC, Voice of America, DW News and Radio France  – during the 29th edition of Owu International Conference, also lauded the Yoruba race for the role it is playing in fostering peace and unity in the nation.

Commenting on the theme of the conference, “Harmony in Owu polity: A recipe for national unity,” Oyetola described the Yoruba race as a believer in the harmony and oneness of the nation, adding that the migration of other tribes to their territories and settlements was not an issue because they are accommodating and hospitable.

Oyetola also commended the commitment of the Amotekun security outfit adopted by states in the southwest, adding that the outfit was delivering on its mandate as a complementary security apparatus in the region.

He said the operations of Amotekun in the region had helped to reduce banditry, rape, kidnap and other vices.

He lauded the outfit  particularly for facilitating the rescue of the wife of the Chief of Staff to Ondo State government.

He also charged citizens that security was the collective responsibility of everyone, and that citizens should not hesitate to escalate information that could help security agencies to discharge their duties better.

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola said his administration had adopted  stakeholders’ engagement forum, by which the yearnings and aspirations of the youths were aggregated to help the government know how to harness their potentials.

He also mentioned that investment in sports and other strategic youths engagement measures were also efforts adopted by the state government.

The governor revealed that the state would soon unveil its Youth Policy which focuses on four cardinal areas: Youth Empowerment, Youth Engagement, Youth Entrepreneurship and Youth Education – as part of its management approach.

That, according to Oyetola, was rooted in the vision of his administration to prioritise issues pertaining to the welfare and security of citizens.

Oyetola, who commended the youths for their resilience over the years, insisted that the #EndSARS protest was an outcome of the pent-up anger of Nigerians against police brutality, adding that it was neither politically motivated nor had any ethnic colourations.

He stated emphatically that even the attempt on his life was not orchestrated by the protesters, but by political thugs who had infiltrated the ranks of the well-meaning youths.

The conference had in attendance former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the chief host; and the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelade Makama, who was the royal host.

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