Olowu of Kuta Hails Obasanjo as Timeless Statesman
The Olowu of Kuta, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, has described the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as a timeless statesman whose presence will be felt many years after his generation.
Oba Makama, who congratulated Chief Obasanjo for enjoying a healthily long life, asserted that God purposely blessed Nigeria with Obasanjo, who spent his life as military head of state and civilian president to unite the country.
Shortly after he had successfully hosted Obasanjo and his entourage in his magnificent Olowu Palace in Kuta on Monday, June 3, 2024, Oba Makama revealed that he was always excited to read and listen to Obasanjo’s informed comments on public issues.
“Whether we like it or we don’t like it, he has never been intimidated not to pass his messages and take a walk off the podium.
“And if you study his views with a broad mind, you are bound to pick up invaluable points therein because he doesn’t speak for the sake of it; he does so with intellectual depth, passion, and, above all, patriotism.
“That is why he will remain relevant until tomorrow.
Oba Makam said his engagement with very sensitive global issues with courage and power of articulation has won him both recognition and respect at international forums where former and serving presidents are listening to him with rapt attention.
The Olowu Kuta urged Nigerians at home and diaspora to accord personalities like Obasanjo and other heads of government respect because, he emphasised, ruling Nigeria, a country peopled by about 200 ethnic groups, is not a child’s play or a task for the lilly-livered.
The traditional ruler also expressed his gratitude to the Owu-born former president for the visit and prayed for continued God’s grace and longevity for him, concluding that Obasanjo is the “most valuable asset of Owu and cherished by all.”
While speaking, Obasanjo praised Olowu Kuta for bequeathing what he called a world-class palace to the ancient Owu Kuta and commended him for showcasing and promoting core Yoruba culture in his domain and beyond.
Obasanjo, who holds the traditional title of Balogun Owu, charged the Kuta elite to rally around the monarch in all ways and ensure the beautiful palace standard is maintained.
In Obasanjo’s delegation were the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola Oluyalo-Otileta (VII), and the Royal Union of Owu People (RUOP), led by the President, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Honourable Fatoki, and a host of others.
The Kuta Ambassadors, led by Dr. Lekan Ayantunji, The Honourable Yinusa Akintola Amobi, the Honourable Mukaila Oladejo, and other Kuta sons and daughters welcomed the former president.
