Lauretta Fagbohun
Abeokuta
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has called for the translation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage into concrete actions that promote education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and environmental protection.
The monarch made the call on Monday at his palace in Oke Ago Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a press conference to announce the commencement of Odun Omo Olowu 2026.
Speaking on the theme, “A Movement to Action: Strengthening the Owu Legacy,” Oba Matemilola said cultural celebrations should go beyond festivities to inspire collective responsibility and sustainable community development.
He described culture as both a gift and a responsibility, stressing that the preservation of tradition would be incomplete without passing its values to younger generations.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that the strength of our kingdom lies in the unity, character and commitment of our people. Let us continue to promote education, improve healthcare, support enterprise, protect our environment and create opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
The monarch added that honouring the achievements of past generations required building on their legacies, while ensuring that cultural values remained relevant to future generations.
Oba Matemilola explained that the 13-day Odun Omo Olowu celebration, scheduled to climax on October 31, 2026, was more than a reunion of Owu sons and daughters from within Nigeria and the diaspora.
He described the festival as an opportunity to strengthen communal bonds, renew commitment to the kingdom’s progress and encourage collective efforts towards a better future.
Oba Matemilola explained that the 13-days Odun Omo Olowu celebration, scheduled to climax on October 31, 2026, was more than a reunion of Owu sons and daughters from within Nigeria and the diaspora.
He described the festival as an opportunity to strengthen communal bonds, renew commitment to the kingdom’s progress and encourage collective efforts towards a better future.
The monarch also urged young people to recognise their role as custodians of the kingdom’s history, noting that their decisions, abilities and contributions would determine the legacy passed on to future generations.
Meanwhile, the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, has cautioned youths against being used as political thugs or accepting inducements from politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oba Adediran advised young people to examine the backgrounds, records and qualifications of political candidates before deciding whom to support at the polls.
“We are saying our youths should not be used in any form for political campaign. Our youths should sit down and go through the profiles of people they are voting for,” he said.
The monarch encouraged youths to research candidates’ personal histories, family backgrounds and previous achievements to better understand their leadership credentials.
He said access to information, including online biographies, could help young voters make informed decisions rather than being swayed by financial inducements.
Oba Adediran also warned against vote-buying and the pursuit of quick wealth, describing temporary financial benefits as inadequate foundations for a sustainable future.
“Life is not just anyhow. Somebody doesn’t just bring money and give you money and say we are voting. Temporary money is nothing,” he said.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in elections and encourage others to exercise their civic responsibilities.
The monarch stressed that young people should resist attempts to exploit their strength and influence for short-term political gains, adding that responsible participation in the electoral process was essential to shaping the country’s future.
