Coronation Anniversary: Why Obasanjo Usually Absent From Some Of My Key Events – Olowu
Raymond Osho
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Oba Saka Matemilola has revealed why former President Olusegun Obasanjo was always absent from the Olowu’s key event despite being one of the Owu chiefs.
Oba matemilola who spoke during a Press conference organised in commemoration of his one year coronation anniversary, disclosed that the former President, who is the Balogun of Owu kingdom is always busy with important international missions which usually clash with different programmes at the palace.
He was responding to questions from journalists who had inquired about Obasanjo’s usual absenteeism during most of Olowu’s important events.
“Balogun’s absence in some of our key events has not been unnoticed, you will realise that he is always on important international assignments.
Oba Matemilola however attributed his success in the last one year to the help of the former President, the Ogun state government and his friends within and outside the country.
“During my coronation last year, Obasanjo championed the planning and the delivery of the whole event. He has to be somewhere in Africa to help address a major problem at a time”, he said.
Matemilola was crowned in 2022 as 14th Olowu to ascend the throne after the demise of the late Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu who died on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
Listing some of his achievements, the Monarch disclosed his collaboration with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement and Administration (NDLEA) and the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta to stem the menace of drug abuse and addiction in Owu communities.
Matemilola, while lamenting the alarming rate of crime and criminality in the state, disclosed that he is working closely with the state police and NGOs through his foundation to combat the vices.
Olowu also noted that over 200 students have benefitted from his scholarship programme through his foundation, Olowu Scholars Foundation as part of an effort to boost the education sector.
His words “Drug abuse is something that we are really fighting among our youths that is why we collaborated with NDLEA and NeuroPsychiatric Hospital in Aro to combat it. We are still working hard to reduce crime and other vices to the barest minimum.
“All the things we have managed to achieve with God’s support, it has been challenging but when we have things to do with results and you have people who are so enthusiastic and passionate in part of that vision and road map. I have no reason not to give it my best.
“It has not been easy but the support we have received from God and people,association , government has made it easy for me to continue. It has been very pleasant giving to the fact that I have people around me. Who are ready to work and sacrifice their resources.
“Balogun’s absence in some of our key events has not been unnoticed, you will realise that he is always on important international assignments. During my coronation last year, Obasanjo championed the planning and the delivery of the whole event. He has to be somewhere in Africa to help address a major problem at a time .
The coronation ceremony is scheduled to be held in Abeokuta on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
