Hundreds of Owu sons and daughters, along with traditional rulers from various Owu communities, gathered in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, last week to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Owu National Convention. The two-day event, held on Friday and Saturday, attracted attendees from Owu communities across Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, and Kwara states.
Distinguished traditional rulers present included Oba (Engr) Michael Olusegun Adesina of Owu-Ijebu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola of Owu-Abeokuta, Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Oyelude Makama of Owu Kuta, Oba(Dr.) Olateju Adewoye of Owu-Isin, Oba Ajolola Akinfalabi of Orile-Owu, Osun State, and Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, among others. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by his wife, Bola.
The convention featured a thanksgiving service at the Saint John’s Anglican Church, Oke Sopen, Ijebu-Igbo, where the Vicar/Archdeacon, Venerable Lawrence Otegbola, emphasized the importance of harmony among Owu people and encouraged them to leverage their diversity for economic transformation and peaceful co-existence.
Venerable Otegbola also highlighted the responsibility of those in positions of authority to support and uplift others, addressing the issues of poverty and insecurity in the country. Quoting from Psalm 133, he urged the eminent sons and daughters of Owu-Kingdom to champion unity and contribute to societal progress.
Expressing concern over the gradual extinction of the Yoruba language, the clergyman stressed the need for cultural preservation.
Akinbade, in his speech during the convention’s grand finale, lamented the encroachment of foreign languages, particularly English, on the Yoruba language and the erosion of culture and traditions.
To counteract this trend, both speakers advocated for a systemic rebirth, urging parents to encourage the speaking of Yoruba language in their homes. They emphasized that events like the Owu National Convention should serve as platforms to showcase the rich cultural values of the Yoruba people.
The special host, Sen. Lekan Mustapha, emphasized the importance of unity, aligning with the convention’s theme, “The Year of Consolidation.” He called for collective efforts to preserve the legacies of forefathers and contribute to the progress and development of Owu nation and Nigeria as a whole.
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