The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji has joined other great Nigerians to mourn a first class monarch in Ondo State, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi who died at the age of 77 on Tuesday evening.
The traditional ruler, who ascended the throne in 2003 had earlier attended a security summit held in the town on Tuesday and developed complications after he had retired to the palace and eventually died.
Although the state government was yet to make any official statement on the death of the traditional ruler, the news of his death has spread across the state and beyond.
The Commissioner for Information, Yemi Olowolabi said he was not aware of the development, stressing only Olowo’s palace could confirm the story.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who hails from Owo, is currently on an official engagement outside the country.
However, an official of Owo Local Government Area of the state who spoke in confidence confirmed the death of the monarch.
He stated the chairman of the Local Government will announce his death officially on Thursday.
He said the monarch had been on and off the hospital for over a year, attributing his death to health challenges he suffered since his ascension to the throne.
Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi was the eldest son of his late father, Sir Olateru Olagbegi who ruled the ancient town of Owo between 1910 and 1998.
He received the staff of office as Olowo in December 11, 2003 from the late former Governor Olusegun Agagu after succeeding his father in 1999.
He received his first degree in law from London, UK and attended Nigeria Law school in 1968.
He was married to Ololade Olateru-Olagbegi, a Barrister and law lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.
Folagbade obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from London, UK.
He later returned to Nigeria to practice Law under the late Fatai Williams.
He was a lecturer in the Nigerian Law School, where he retired as a reader in 1999 to ascend the throne of his forefathers.
He was appointed as Chancellor of University of Benin (Nigeria) in 2005 and later University of Abuja.
He was honoured with the national award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Besides, he was appointed the Chancellor, University of Benin in 2015 and later the University of Abuja.
The late Oba Olagbegi was a former chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas.
Palace sources confirmed his death but stated “we cannot announce it now because of various traditions to follow.
“Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who is an indigene of Owo is currently out of the country for an official duty and must be formally briefed on Olowo’s exit before official announcement,” sources said.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele with additional reports from thenationonlineng.net
