By Omoniyi Salaudeen
Indigenes of Owu in Ogun State have been urged to eschew violence and ensure harmonious co-existence with their neighbours.
The Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, gave the advice during a reception in honour of the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola at the palace of Olu of Iju Gbalefa Kingdom, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Oba Olufemi Sodeinde on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the Gbalefa/Sango/Ijoko (GSI- ISOKAN) Forum as part of the activities marking the 2023 Owu Day.
Oba Ogunleye, who represented Oba Matemilola on the occasion, said Owu people were noted for their restrained temperament in the face of provocation, urging the people to shun any form of violence.
“As far as we are concerned, Iju is our home. Owu people are not known to be cowards but we want peace to reign wherever we are, hence we are embracing dialogue with our Awori neighbours. The current Olota of Ota, Oba AbdulKabir Obalenlege and Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola are highly educated and rational monarchs who have advocated dialogue as the best way out of any conflict.’’
In his words, the chairman of Gbalefa Elder Council and Asoju Oba of Iju, Reverend Ebenezer Oyeyemi, also urged Owu indigenes to avoid conflict with neighbouring communities.
The chairman of the GSI Visitation Committee, Chief Bolaji Babalola, expressed confidence that the Owu Day celebration would usher in harmonious relationships with neighbouring communities.