A former aide to the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Oladoyin Odebowale, has publicly dismissed claims that the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, was single-handedly installed by the late governor.
In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Odebowale — who served as Special Duties and Strategy Adviser under the Akeredolu administration — emphasized that the process leading to the selection of the monarch strictly followed traditional protocols.
“I assert, without equivocation, that Aketi did NOT choose the Olowo ‘single-handedly’,” Odebowale stated. “It is practically impossible in Owo tradition. The prerogative lies with the Omo Olowo, under the leadership of the Ojomo Luda of Ijebu-Owo.”
According to him, the Ojomo Luda, a retired Major General and head of the Owo princes, presided over the selection of the monarch. Odebowale recalled being personally involved in the process and present at the final stage where then Prince Ajibade Ogunoye emerged as the Olowo-elect, after other contestants either withdrew or were defeated.
He described the atmosphere following the declaration as celebratory and peaceful, noting that he and his team remained in Owo throughout the night and relayed updates to Governor Akeredolu, who was reportedly delighted by the smooth process.
Odebowale, who also worked closely with the Olowo while both served under the Akeredolu administration, described the monarch as “a decent, well-bred prince” with deep roots in Owo’s royal heritage. Oba Ogunoye, he said, was raised in the palace from the age of two after his father, Oba Adekola Ogunoye, ascended the throne in 1968.
In a firm rebuke to critics of the monarch, Odebowale insisted that the Olowo’s authority and legitimacy are beyond question. “One thousand governors and others combined would not have been able to impose a candidate on Owo,” he declared, noting that any such attempt would have been resisted by the community, particularly the Owo youth.
On the recent controversy surrounding the demolition of the Owo Cenotaph, Odebowale declined to delve into the dispute but urged the government to show greater sensitivity in consulting genuine stakeholders in matters affecting the heritage of the town.
He warned against any public disrespect of the Olowo, calling such actions “madness” that would be firmly resisted.
“The Olowo is not a Warrant Chief imposed by colonial powers. He is the last born of Orunmila — a traditional monarch in every sense,” Odebowale concluded.
