Owu indigenes converge on ijebu-igbo for 32nd national convention
The Owu indigenes in their hundreds across the globe embarked on a 2-day national convention which was the 32nd anniversary held at Ijebu-Igbo, headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State
Penpushing reports that the gathering equally attracted several traditional rulers from Owu communities in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Igbo, Ibadan, Orile-Owu, other communities in Oyo, Osun, Lagos and Kwara states, as the sons and daughters could not hide their joy
The host traditional ruler was Oba (Engr) Michael Olusegun Adesina of Owu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola of Owu-Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba (Dr.), Adekunle Oyelude Makama of Owu Kuta, Osun State, Oba (Dr), Olateju Adewoye of Owu-Isin, Kwara State, Oba Ajolola Akinfalabi of Orile-Owu, Osun State, Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye among others.
Penpushing further reports that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by wife, Bola, who joined other prominent sons and daughters of Owu-kingdom including the Oganla of Owu-Abeokuta and National Secretary of Royal Union of Owu People (ROUP), Hon.Johson Olu- Fatoki, and Elder Wole Oyelese among others.
The Vicar/Archdeacon, of Saint John’s Anglican Church, Oke Sopen, Ijebu-Igbo, Venerable Lawrence Otegbola, during the thanksgiving service urged Owu people to live in harmony with their neighbours, and to see their diversity as major advantage capable to transforming the economy of their people and ensuring peaceful co-existence with others.
Penpushing also reports that the clergyman expressed concern over what he described as gradual extinction of the Yoruba language, while in his remarks National President of Royal Union of Owu People, Alhaji (Engr.) Fatai Akinbade at the grand-finale of the convention on Saturday, described the situation as unfortunate saying the Yoruba language is being replaced with foreign languages
‘It’s equally a sad commentary that while our language is being replaced with foreign languages, especially the English language, our culture and traditions have been submerged by civilization’, Akinbade said.
‘Most parents today do not know their family Oriki (panegyrics), let alone their children who have completely gone foreign. This must definitely change through a systemic rebirth if we don’t want to lose it all in the nearest future”, he warned.
Penpushing reports that to appreciate the beauty of rich tradition and cultural values of Yoruba, both Otegbola and Akinbade canvassed the need for parents to begin to encourage the speaking of the language in their various homes among their children.
The duo emphasized that speaking and understanding the language would preserve it and save it from going into extinction, just as Otegbola posited that cultural celebration like the Owu National Convention, should always be used to project the rich moral values of Yorubas.
Penpushing further reports that the special host, Sen. Lekan Mustapha who also spoke stated that all hands must be on deck to foster unity not only within Owu people but among their neighbours in the spirit of the theme of this year’s convention
‘All hands must be on deck to foster unity not only within Owu people but among our neighbours in the spirit of the theme of this year’s convention “The Year of Consolidation. The need to consolidate the legacies of our forefathers is now. Progress and development of Owu nation and by extension Nigeria as a whole should be the concern of all of us “, he stated.
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