Ondo State’s Owo community has begun funeral rites for their late monarch, Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, who passed on at 77 years on Tuesday.
Traditional chiefs and prominent indigenes of the community were seen putting heads together on how to give befitting burial to the ex- lecturer of the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, who taught several prominent Nigerian lawyers.
A prominent Owo chief, Jamiu Ekungba, expressed shock on the demise of Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, who, according to him, elevated the ancient community during his peaceful reign.
He said the Owo people would sorely miss the eminent traditional ruler.
At Olowo’s palace, sympathisers, comprising traditional chiefs, indigenes and residents of the town, were seen discussing the life and times of the late monarch.
Also, a prominent indigene, Olanrewaju Famakinwa said traditionalists in the town were already making arrangements for the burial of the late traditional ruler in line with the town’s tradition.
Another source said: “Parts of the tradition are movement round the town by traditionalists, closure of the markets and palace, traditional movement of herbalists at night and cutting of trees around Olowo’s palace.
“The late Olowo was a famous traditional ruler and he will be given a befitting burial by the community at an appropriate time, which will soon be announced by the community.
“As it is customary, burial committee will be set up to handle the ceremony in a befitting manner.”
But, Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday described as a huge loss, the passage of the Olowo.
Akeredolu, who condoled with the late monarch’s family, the people of Owo kingdom and the entire citizens of Ondo State, noted that the sunshine state had lost one of its most cerebral royal fathers, who combined deep intellectual capacity with admirable traditional flamboyance.
In a statement through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, the governor described the late monarch as a law scholar of no mean repute.
Akeredolu, who is also an indigene of Owo, said the late Olowo was a devout Christian, whose reign ignited a remarkable revival of Pentecostal evangelism in the legendary palace of Olowo of Owo.
The governor observed that in spite of the late monarch’s commitment to Christianity, the rich, robust and transcendental culture and traditions of Owo kingdom flourished under his leadership, just as the town witnessed unprecedented growth and all-around peace.
On behalf of the government and the good people of Ondo State, Akeredolu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, other state governors and distinguished Nigerians for their condolence messages and comforting calls over the loss of this great son of Ondo State.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
