Dr. Doyin Odebowale, former Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to the late Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has strongly refuted claims that Akeredolu single-handedly selected the current Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
In a personally signed statement, Dr. Odebowale expressed his unreserved admiration for the monarch, describing him as a man of “enviable pedigree” and “a decent, well-bred prince” who embodies traditional Yoruba values.
Clarifying his role and insight into the monarch’s emergence, Odebowale stated that he was directly involved in monitoring the selection process during his time in the Governor’s Office.
According to him, the selection was governed strictly by tradition and handled by the appropriate authorities, particularly the Ojomo Luda of Ijebu-Owo, head of the Owo princes.
“Aketi did NOT choose the Olowo single-handedly.
That is practically impossible in Owo tradition,” he wrote. “The prerogative lies with the Omo Olowo. The Ojomo Luda presided over the selection process.”
He recalled that multiple qualified contenders were considered, with many withdrawing during the early stages of consultation.
Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III emerged as the consensus candidate after what he described as a fair and transparent process, which culminated in celebrations throughout the ancient town.
Odebowale noted that Akeredolu’s interest in the process stemmed not just from his position as governor, but also as a native of Owo, who had close ties with many of the candidates.
He added that the governor was pleased the process ended without crisis.
Responding to recent controversies surrounding the demolition of the Owo Cenotaph, Odebowale refrained from joining the debate but urged the government to consult widely and avoid decisions that could alienate stakeholders.
He, however, condemned strongly what he called “reckless vituperations” directed at the Olowo and dismissed insinuations that the monarch’s emergence was politically influenced.
“Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III is not a Warrant Chief imposed by colonialists.
He is the last born of Orunmila, a full-time traditionalist who has refused to join impostors in desecrating the land,” he stated.
Reaffirming the monarch’s legitimacy, Odebowale added, “One thousand governors combined could not have imposed a candidate on Owo.
The youths, especially the Ehinogbe boys, would have resisted it fiercely.”
He urged the public to show due respect to the revered monarch, describing any attempt to belittle him as a descent into madness that the people of Owo would not tolerate.