Olowu of Owu to participate in first ever Odun Omo Olowu Festival UK next month

FIRST class traditional ruler the Olowu of Owu  His Royal Majesty Kabiyesi Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola will be visiting London next month where he will participate in the first ever Odun Omo Olowu Festival UK.

Designed to sell the ancient kingdom of Owu to a wider audience, the festival will take place over two days on May 3 and 4. Owu Indigenes in the UK have put together a committee known as O' mo Olowu Oduru Forum to organise the event and have begun inviting numerous dignitaries from Nigeria, with former president Olusegun Obasanjo, topping the list.

Chief Olayiwola Akinbode, the chairman of the planning committee, said: "It is with great honour and humility that we inform you of this event which will be attended by some distinguished guests from all walks of life including Nigeria and you are hereby invited. Among the dignitaries attending this event are the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, High Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the Balogun of Owu Kingdom; the former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and His Royal Majesty Kabiyesi, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Ogun State.

"This event is dedicated to celebrating our rich culture and contributing to the betterment of the Owu community. This event was initiated by Oba Matemilola, alongside the Balogun of Owu Kingdom High Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the entire Omo Olowu Oduru Forum across the UK, Ireland and Europe."

Holding over two days, the Friday event will take place at Ilderton Road in southeast London, while the main event ion Saturday may 4 will take place at the Oasis Banqueting Suite on Barking. Tickets for the main event, which will include Owu indigenes paying homage to the king, are selling for £50 and can be purchased by ringing 07770 174191.

Already, the organisers have written to the acting Nigerian high commissioner on the UK, Ambassador Cyprian Heen, asking him to attend the event. Back in 1999, the annual Owu Day festival tradition was started and since then it has attracted participation from all over the world.