www.oruntoowuabeokuta.org.ng , the premier online platform dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Egbas, and Abeokuta, is proud to celebrate its first anniversary.

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Over the past year, OruntoOwuAbeokuta has established itself as a vibrant hub for cultural enthusiasts, researchers, and the Owu community to explore and engage with their roots.

Through its comprehensive work, the platform has preserved historical narratives, traditional practices, and contemporary updates, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.

Orunto Owu Abeokuta has fostered community engagement through interactive forums, events, and festivals like Odun Omo Olowu, uniting Owu descendants worldwide.

The platform has also provided valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Owu history, socio-political contributions, and cultural significance.

“We are thrilled to mark this milestone and appreciate the unwavering support from our community,” said the management team. “Our impact extends beyond cultural promotion, contributing to the Owu Kingdom and Abeokuta’s economy and tourism.

Initiatives like Odun Omo Olowu and Lisabi Festival have attracted international attention, boosting local businesses and skill promotions.”

With over 350 articles, write-ups, and pieces published within a year, the website is a treasure trove of interesting reads and stories told through captivating 1000+ photos.

OruntoOwuAbeokuta’s dynamic nature is a testament to its commitment to growth and development.

“Reading makes a healthy life and personal development,” and OruntoOwuAbeokuta is a shining example of this philosophy in action. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta history.”

The platform is a brainchild of Chief Abiodun Lasile, the Orunto Owu Kingdom Abeokuta and Founder/Coordinator The SixthSense Initiative and Sixth Sense Series Publications
Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (Ogun Chapter)

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, PhD., FNSE, Otileta VII, has commended leaders and members of the Ogun State Chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (Ogun FIBAN) for ensuring a peaceful and orderly leadership transition that ushered in the association’s new executive.

According to a statement issued by the association through its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olusoji Akindiya (Okanlomo), the monarch gave this commendation during a courtesy visit by the newly inaugurated Ogun FIBAN Executive, led by its Chairman, Chief Olalekan Shoyinka, popularly known as “Ayinla Egba,” at his palace in Oke Ago-Owu on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Shoyinka expressed deep appreciation to Kabiyesi for granting the delegation audience and lauded the Olowu’s royal charisma as well as his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence among his people. 

He highlighted the vital role of FIBAN in society, describing its members as grassroots media practitioners and the voice of the voiceless who create impactful content across radio, television, and digital platforms, with chapters nationwide.

Chief Shoyinka assured the monarch of Ogun FIBAN’s readiness to support programmes of the Owu Palace and its people, while also requesting that the association be actively involved in palace engagements where media partnership would be beneficial.

In his response, Oba Matemilola expressed delight at the renewed unity within Ogun FIBAN and urged members to work diligently to sustain the harmony and progress recorded so far. 

He reminded broadcasters of the enormous influence they wield in society, encouraging them to deploy the “power of the tongue” responsibly for positive development.

The Olowu further assured the delegation of the palace’s full support and pledged that Ogun FIBAN would henceforth be fully integrated into palace programmes and public engagements.

The occasion was also used by Chief Shoyinka to formally invite His Royal Majesty to the forthcoming 2026 World Radio Day celebration organised by Ogun FIBAN, scheduled for Friday, 13th February, where the monarch is expected to serve as the Royal Father of the Day.

The Ogun FIBAN delegation included Comrade Moses Okunlola (General Secretary), Comrade Oluwatoyin Asakpa (Financial Secretary), Comrade Olusoji Akindiya (Okanlomo), Publicity Secretary, Comrade Betty Adejare (Welfare Officer), Comrade Olalekan Atanda, Comrade Wasiu Alani (Jejelomo), Comrade Tolulope Ezekiel Obadare (Aboki Ijesa), Comrade Emmanuel Somuyiwa, Comrade Oluwaseun Adesanya, and Comrade Bafunso Kehinde.

The visit concluded with the presentation of an honorary plaque from the FIBAN National Office to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom as a mark of respect and a lasting symbol of the cordial engagement.

by Adebami Adefukuyo

In the well-documented traditions of Ijebuland, the conferment of the Otunba title has historically served a specific and respected purpose. Awujales traditionally bestow the Otunba chieftaincy on individuals drawn from female lineages or on royal descendants who, by custom and law, are ineligible to ascend the Awujale stool. It is an honourable recognition of service and proximity to the throne, but it has never conferred succession rights.

Recorded history is unequivocal: no Otunba has ever been installed as Awujale. This unbroken custom, acknowledged by the Ijebu Royal Houses and repeatedly affirmed during the reign of the late Awujale, reflects a settled principle that Otunbas are not selected from the male Abidagba lines eligible for the throne. The tradition is neither ambiguous nor discretionary.

Further reinforcing this position is the performance of the Ilete rites. These rites, once administered, cannot be repeated. Otunbas undergo Ilete rites that are comparable in solemnity to those of Obas, and the irreversibility of these rites is precisely why an Otunba cannot later contest for the Awujale stool. While the Otunba title carries dignity and honour, it remains categorically subordinate to the status of Omo-Oba within the succession hierarchy.

Against this clear historical and customary background, Otunba Ademorin Kuye is plainly ineligible to contest for the open Awujale stool. He was personally conferred with the Otunba title by the late Awujale and has completed the attendant Ilete rites, thereby extinguishing any conceivable claim to the throne.

Additionally, Otunba Kuye’s asserted connection to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is, at best, tenuous. Notably, his Otunba title was conferred through the Gbelegbuwa Ruling House, a distinct royal house. This contradiction further weakens any claim of eligibility under Fusengbuwa lineage and raises serious questions about the factual basis of his assertions.

Beyond questions of lineage and custom, Otunba Kuye’s recent public record does little to inspire confidence among the people of Ijebuland. His widely noted underperformance as a member of the House of Representatives representing Somolu in Lagos State stands in stark contrast to the gravitas, moral authority, and administrative excellence historically expected of an Awujale.

It is therefore imperative that these settled traditions and facts be clearly understood by the public and respected by all stakeholders. Any attempt by external or governmental quarters to force the installation of an ineligible candidate, particularly one with weak and disputed ties to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, would amount to a grave provocation. Such an action risks undermining the integrity of the succession process, eroding public trust, and could trigger avoidable unrest and destabilisation in Ijebuland, a land whose peace has long rested on respect for tradition, fairness, and legitimacy.

Ijebuland’s history teaches that stability flows from fidelity to custom. Departing from it in the selection of Otunba Kuye as the Awujale would not only be unlawful in spirit but dangerously irresponsible in consequence.

• Omoba Adebami Adefukuyo writes from the United States of America, a son from Oke Agbo Ijebu-Igbo.