New Olowu-Elect Emerges, As Gov Abiodun, Kingmakers Confirm Dr. Saka Adelola Matemilola's Selection

Dr. Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Executive Director of Ankor Pointe Integrated, has emerged the 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom, a first-class traditional title in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Dr. Matemilola, a Muslim, based in Lagos will replace the late Olowu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, who returned to his Creator in December, 2021.

Dr. Matemilola’s appointment as the new Olowu was confirmed yesterday, Monday, July 25, by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, weeks after he was screened alongside other princes by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo-led kingmakers of the Owu kingdom in Ogun State.

However, his selection was greeted by protest from other contenders. Former President Obasanjo was reported to have voted against the choice of Matemilola while all other Kingmakers cast their votes for him before the list was sent to the governor for approval. The protests was responsible for the delay in his confirmation, which eventually came yesterday. 

Two of the screened contenders from the royal families involved had petitioned Governor Abiodun and the kingmakers to be wary of appointing Matemilola who they said is a “non-indigene” as the next Olowu of Owu Kingdom. In their separate petitions to the Ministries of Justice, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, they claimed that Matemilola “is a native of Ibadan in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State”, making him ineligible to the throne of the Olowu.

The Oba-elect, Dr. Matemilola, holds Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from the prestigious University of Cambridge, UK.