Oba (Dr.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Otileta VII, on Friday observed the first Jum’ah prayer since his crowning as the 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta Ogun State.
It was one of the activities marking the eight-day coronation programme.
The King, a devout Muslim, was joined by his two wives, tens of sons and daughters of Owu at the Community’s ancient central mosque, in Apo, for the special Jum’ah, led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Sulaiman Kehinde Akorede.
Not only that, friends of the new Olowu, from within and outside the State, including former Governor of the State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, immediate Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Alhaji Salisu Shuaib, members of Lighthouse Mosque led by Imam Najeem Jimoh, and Al-Usrah Muslim Organisation, were not left out as they witnessed the historic moment.
Muslim News findings revealed that immediately the Olowu, a foremost King in the history of Yorubaland, entered the mosque, he observed Tahiyyat Al-Masjid, two rakat supererogatory prayer – standing, bowing, prostrating before his Creator, the King of all kings, Allah.
According to Yoruba tradition, Kabiyesi doesn’t bow to anyone as the culture demands. It is the subject that must prostrate or kneel to greet the king. But today, Oba Matemilola didn’t only bow, he prostrated and knelt in obeisance to the Lord of the universe.
During his emotion-laden speech, Oba Matemilola charged the ulamah to always remind him about his duties to Allah and society.
He said, “Allah has put the alfas (scholars) in a position to admonish kings, and people in authority. Whenever they do good, they should acknowledge it, and they should not cover up their shortcomings.”
Alhaji Salisu congratulated the new Kabiyesi as well as the sons and daughters of Owu Kingdom, wishing him a successful reign in Owu Kingdom, Egbaland and Ogun State.
“I do not doubt that he will join hands with other kings in Egbaland for the development of the community,” he said.
Alhaji Shuaib said the first Jum’ah symbolizes that Oba Matemilola recognises that there is a greater being, Allah, that controls the affairs of man, and to whom we owe a duty to worship.
“Kabiyesi has started his reign by coming to the mosque to observe a special Jum’ah.
He prayed for his people and his people also prayed for him,” he added.
