The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, YAYI, CON, FCA, has paid a royal visit to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, where he sought the monarch’s blessings and support of the Owu people for his governorship aspiration and other APC candidates.
Adeola, who was accompanied by his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun; Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, Senator Lekan Mustapha; and other party leaders and dignitaries, also formally accepted the chieftaincy title of Aare Bobatolu of Owu Kingdom, which the monarch announced had been approved by the appropriate traditional authorities.
Speaking during the visit, Adeola described his relationship with Owu Kingdom as one that predates his emergence as the APC governorship candidate, noting that he had visited the palace on several occasions and supported initiatives within the kingdom.
He said the visit was primarily to pay homage to the Olowu, seek his royal blessings and solicit the support of Owu sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.
Adeola also pledged to address road infrastructure concerns presented by the kingdom, assuring the monarch and chiefs that the roads brought to his attention would receive intervention.
The senator commended the Olowu for the developmental vision behind the Olowu Hope Initiative, particularly its interventions in education, healthcare, quality of life, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
Describing human capital development as central to his own philosophy of public service, Adeola announced a ₦50 million contribution to support the Olowu Hope Initiative, while pledging to work with the monarch to expand its impact.
“I am a firm believer in human emancipation and human capital development. This initiative is worthy of being celebrated and supported,” Adeola said.
The Olowu Hope Initiative has previously reported interventions in areas including education, healthcare and enterprise development.
Speaking earlier, the Osi of Egbaland recalled Adeola’s interventions across Ogun State, including areas outside his Ogun West Senatorial District, and expressed confidence in his capacity to serve the state.
He also assured the palace that the road leading towards Gbagura, which had been raised during the engagement, would receive attention.
Presenting the vision of the Olowu Hope Initiative, Dr. Akintoye Akindele explained that the programme seeks to improve lives across Owu communities through interventions in education, healthcare, economic development and empowerment, environmental sustainability and other areas of human development.
Responding, the Olowu thanked Adeola, his running mate and members of the delegation for the visit and acknowledged the senator’s previous interventions and support for the kingdom.
The monarch said leadership should ultimately be directed towards making life more meaningful for the people, noting similarities between some of the kingdom’s development initiatives and Adeola’s interventions.
He also expressed appreciation for Adeola’s commitment to road projects identified by the kingdom, including the Agbeloba–Ita Oshin axis, as well as his support for the Olowu Hope Initiative.
On the traditional honour, the Olowu confirmed that the conferment of the Aare Bobatolu of Owu Kingdom title on Adeola had received approval, saying the honour was intended to further strengthen his relationship with the kingdom.
Adeola accepted the title, saying: “I appreciate you for the approval of the chieftaincy title as the Aare Bobatolu of Owu Kingdom. I accept this offer wholeheartedly.”
The Olowu subsequently offered prayers for Adeola and his entourage, while Adeola assured the traditional council that he would continue to identify with the developmental aspirations of Owu Kingdom.
