As the race to fill the vacant stool of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Ondo State, heats up, the Ajike Royal House, which had last occupied the stool 79 years ago, has insisted that it is next in line.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba David Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, passed on early last month.
Speaking on the issue in a chat with our correspondent, the head of the Ajike Aanneye Family, Prince Ladi Ajike, said natural justice demands that his ruling house, having last occupied the ancient throne 79 years ago, should, this time, produce a candidate.
He said, “It is well known that our grandfather, the late Oba Adeoye Ajike Atanneye was Olowo of Owo between 193 and 1940. He was the first literate Olowo of Owo.
“His reign was peaceful and he achieved a lot within his very short reign. Notably are the construction of roads from Owo to Ute; Owo to Isuada, and the establishment of an office in the palace for meetings and recreation.
“He renamed the title of Owo monarch from Ogwa of Owo to Olowo of Owo, and particularly encouraged the education of Owo indigenes and chiefs, to mention a few in the long list of his achievements.
“Therefore the Royal family will be in the race for the exalted throne of Olowo of Owo.
Ladi Ajike, however, added, “It gladdens our heart that one of our numerous and formidable ‘sons’ will be contesting to become the next Olowo of Owo.
“He is Prince Olayemi Olatunbosun Ajike, an internationally acclaimed businessman residing in Dubai, Lagos and his hometown, Owo.
“Having lived successfully for decades in Dubai, running a thriving trade of importing and exporting; he will do more for his home town and environs when he ascends his grandfather’s throne by attracting industries and international entrepreneurs to Owo Kingdom.
“He will also work for the peaceful coexistence and unity of all towns in Owo Kingdom. He was chosen by the Ajike Atanneye royal family after due consideration and concessions by all and sundry, to represent and deliver good achievements like his grandfather.
“We believe in his chances to become the next Olowo and bring development, peace, improved business, infrastructure, Job opportunities, youth empowerment and a lot more with his local and international connections.
“We appeal to the senior Omolowos and Kingmakers to look at the Ajike Attaneye’s family this time round,”
“It’s been 79 years plus since the family last occupied the exalted throne of the Olowo of Owo.”
