IBIDAPO, MIMIKO IN OLOWO’S PALACE, DESCRIBE LATE MONARCH AS ROYALTY PERSONIFIED:

As the ancient town of Owo in Ondo state begin the traditional burial rites of its departed monarch, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, a prominent indigene of the town, who is the Aare-Atunluse of Owo, Chief Rotimi Ibidapo yesterday described the departed monarch as a huge loss to Ondo state and Nigeria as a whole.

Ibidapo who was in the palace to mourn the departed law lecturer turned monarch commiserated with the family of the late oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi and described him

as very distinguished and accomplished human being.

According to him, during his reign as Olowo, the ancient town of Owo witnessed unprecedented development and all-round peace stressing that Ondo state will greatly miss him.

Ibidapo said, “He was a loving man, he lived an heroic life which would never be forgotten. It was during his time that the son of Owo town became the state governor.

“Personally, during his reign, I got breakthroughs in life, he will be living in our minds forever”.

The Aare Atunluse of Owo however prayed that the existing peace and unprecedented development would thrive in the town during the reign of the next Olowo.

Also at the palace yesterday to identify and commiserate with the people was the former Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

Mimiko while describing the late monarch as an epitome of good deeds, said the monarch lived a fulfilled life.

He said, “I have no doubt in my mind that he is in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. As a former governor of this state for eight years, I benefited a lot from his counselling as traditional ruler.

The former governor who was received by Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Prince Adenekan Olagbegi other Omolowos and Omo Owas, as Owo princes are called, said the departed Olowo only transited as his good deeds are there forever as worthy legacies of his greatness.

He asked the people of Owo to sustain the peace that reigned in the era of the late Olowo as he prayed for a successor of like mind for the kingdom.

Chief Ekungba had while welcoming Mimiko on behalf of the kingdom asked him to prepare to be part of the funeral events. “You were seen as a friend of the kingdom by the departed Kabiyesi and indeed Owo people, you must be prepared to join us as we plan and execute his final rights,” Chief Ekungba, said.

Oba Folagbade Olagbegi joined his ancestors late last week. Final rites are to be announced later.