Olowo’s stool: Two candidates emerge

From Jimoh Ahmed, Owo
|
The race for the Olowo of Owo stool which became vacant following the death of Oba David Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi some weeks ago, has hot up as two candidates have been picked by their royal families to take a shot at the Olowo throne.

The duo are Prince Gbadegesin Ajibade Ogunoye, a top flight bureaucrat in Ondo State civil service from the Ogunoye royal stool and the latest entrant, Prince Olayemi Olatunbosun Ajike from Ajike Ateneye royal family.

Reports from the ancient town showed that the two candidates were picked by their respective families to contest for the exalted throne after a thorough screening conducted to determine their suitability.

For Ajibade, a Deputy Permanent Secretary and holder of the LLB Degree, it was a smooth glide on Sunday May 12, 2019 when the family picked him among the 12 contesters.

Reliable sources confided in The Hope that the family head otherwise known as Olori Ebi, Chief Saka Olutokun conducted the selection process after which the Deputy Head of the family, Chief Olugbadehan Ologede pronounced Ajibade as the family choice.

Also last Friday, the Ajike family announced at a press conference in Owo, the unanimous choice of Olatunbosun Olayemi, a Dubai based business man as the family’s flag bearer to contest for the throne.

A spokesman of the Ajike family, Prince Ladi Ajike said their candidate has the acumen and ability to bring greater glory to Owo throne.

Ladi Ajike appealed to Owo community, particularly the senior Olmolowos whose prerogative is to pick the next Olowo to give their candidate a sympathetic attention because his family last had a chance to occupy the throne 79 years ago.

Owo has been on the edge since Wednesday April 17, when Oba Folagbade OLateru-Olagbegi joined his ancestors propelling book makers to speculate who will succeed him.

More candidates are expectated to join the race when the kingmakers and Omolowos lift the curtain for the selection process, The Hope has learnt.