Oluwanifesimi Apesin(Intern)
The Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, has described Odun Owu as cultural festival and an act of thanksgiving to God, stressing that the celebration is not linked to political campaign activities.
Penpushing reports that the monarch made this known at a press conference held at the palace in Abeokuta, ahead of the festival known as Odun Omo Olowu 2026, scheduled to hold from October 19 to 31 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The monarch emphasized that the festival, themed “Awakening to Action: Strengthening The Owu Legacy,” is not designed for any political activities, and cautioned politicians to avoid using the ceremony as campaign avenue for them
‘We are not partisan. We won’t allow any politicians to hijack the ceremony. The palace invites Owu indigenes, residents, invited guests, cultural organisations, development partners and the media to participate in the celebration. Odun Omo Olowu 2026 aims to strengthen community bonds, preserve Owu identity and inspire continued action towards the Kingdom’s development’, he stated
Penpushing further reports that Matemilola explained that the ceremony is expected to bring together Owu indigenes at home and in the diaspora, traditional rulers, government representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate the kingdom’s heritage and promote community development.
The traditional ruler stated that, the festival will feature inter-faith prayers, youth sports symposium, sporting activities, hospital visits, chieftaincy installations, cultural awards, a colloquium and a grand finale.
Penpushing also reports that he added that the celebration will equally focus on youth empowerment, education, vocational training, women empowerment and community development.
The royal father disclosed that the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI), one of the festival’s strategic partners, had impacted more than 200,000 lives through programmes covering education, healthcare, youth development and community support.
Penpushing reports that Matemilola said, its interventions include educational support for more than 800 secondary school students, over 13,000 school meals, vocational training and medical outreach, as well as clean-water projects reaching more than 80,000 people across 50 communities.
The monarch disclosed that the Owu Igosun Primary Health Centre had been renovated and commissioned, while work continued on the Olomore Hospital project, adding that the festival’s grand finale is scheduled for October 31 at the African Church Central Primary School, Quarry Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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