The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has mentioned Nigeria’s cultural heritage will solely have that means if it drives collective motion for training, healthcare, enterprise and environmental safety.
Oba Matemilola acknowledged this on Monday at his palace in Oke Ago Owu, Abeokuta, whereas briefing newsmen at a press convention to flag off Odun Omo Olowu 2026.
The monarch, who spoke on the 12 months’s theme, ‘A Movement to Action: Strengthening The Owu Legacy’, mentioned heritage should transcend fanfare.
Oba Matemilola mentioned tradition should be handled as each a present and a duty, warning that celebrating custom with out transmitting its values is empty.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that the strength of our kingdom lies in the unity, character and commitment of our people. Let us continue to promote education, improve healthcare, support enterprise, protect our environment and create opportunities for the next generation.
“We honour our forebears not only by remembering their achievements, but also by building upon them. We preserve our culture not only by celebrating our traditions, but also by transmitting our values to the next generation,” he mentioned.
The first-class monarch mentioned Odun Omo Olowu, which runs for 13 days and can climax on October 31, 2026, is not only a reunion of Owu little children at residence and within the diaspora, however a platform to resume dedication to group progress.
He urged younger folks to see themselves as custodians of historical past, including that their selections and expertise will form the legacy left behind.
Also talking, the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, warned youths to not enable themselves for use as political thugs or induced with cash forward of the 2027 basic elections.
Oba Adediran maintained that younger folks should interrogate the background and capability of these searching for their votes, relatively than observe cash.
“We are saying our youths should not be used in any form for political campaign. Our youths should sit down and go through the profiles of people they are voting for,” Oba Adediran mentioned.
“Who are they? Where are they coming from? When we were growing up we used to read biographies. Google their biography, know them. What’s their strength? Who is their father? Who is their mother? What have they done that you have to vote for them? These are pointers that youths have to follow so that you will know how to direct your path.”
The monarch additionally warned against vote-buying and the get-rich-quick syndrome, describing it as a path to destruction.
“Life is not just anyhow. Somebody doesn’t just bring money and give you money and say we are voting. Temporary money is nothing.
“If you don’t have proper foundation, you cannot go high. So please we encourage you, don’t use your strength, don’t be used for temporary money. Get your PVC. On Election Day, go there, do your bidding and encourage others to vote. That should be your assignment,” he added.
