Owo Kingdom installs their new Olowo during the weekend

by - August 27, 2019

The people of Owo Kingdom in Ondo state, invited guests and dignitaries, members of the state and federal government came together on Friday August 23rd, for the traditional and official installation of their Olowo.

The new Olowo of Owo, formely Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye was chosen as the 33rd paramount traditional ruler of the town.

He is amongst one of the direct sons of the old Olowo, Oba Adekola Ogunoye II, who reigned between 1968 and 1993 and Yeyesa Adenike Ogunoye.

He was chosen following a process according to Owo tradition which started when 3 months after the late Oba Olagbade Olateru Olagbegi III joined his ancestors. The tradition stipulates that a new prince has to emerge as Olowo of Owo- elect. He was amongst 15 who vied for the throne from the Elewokun Ruling House, the only one ruling house in Owo Kingdom.

The house is made up of two subsets families which are the Atanneyes and the Ogunoyes. The Atanneyes comprise the Olagbegis and Ajikes.

Installation rites began very early at the Olugbule Palace(official residence of the Olowo) where the king was given two traditional titles of Alamuren and Anaun which was a prerequisite titles before he could be formally crowned an Olowo.

Firstly they were prayers that were also offered for the new king in a small house known as the Arigidi, after which rites were performed at the crossroad near the Olugbule palace as well as behind the town hall.

Then he had to picking his sword while being blindfolded. This will be added to that of past Olowos  and is an integral part of the installation rites of a new Olowo to predict what becomes of his reign.

He picked the sword which signifies peace. According to reports, he chose the same sword which was picked by his father more than 30 years ago.

These are procedures that must be followed before a new king is installed after which he will enter the palace.

The rites would continue for the next 17 days until the coronation day.

He will take the title and name of His Royal Majesty Oba Ajibade Ogunoye III, Olowo of Owo

Prior to his installation, he was a senior state and federal civil servant, having joined the public servant since 2001. He officially retired to be servant and ruler of the Owo people.

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