By Rasheed Abubakar/Abeokuta
It was jubilation galore on Saturday, October 29, at Oba Odeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta, Ogun State as members of The Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business and the professions turned out in their numbers to celebrate with one of their own, Alhaja Olori Khadijah Matemilola, whose husband, Oba Dr. Saka Matemilola, has been installed the 14th Olowu of the Owu Kingdom.
From within and outside the state, one of Nigeria’s leading Muslim women’s organisations cladded in their beautiful and modest Islamic attires converged at the venue of the event that climaxed the eight-day coronation ceremony, where the Arole Oduduwa, as the Olowu of Owu is fondly called, received the staff of office.
Muslim News gathered that the staff of office was presented to the Otileta VII, Oba Matemilola by the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Dapo Abiodun, in the presence of other Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, among others.
The Governor, while speaking at the coronation and the 23rd Edition of ‘Odun Omo Olowu festival’ called on Oba Matemilola to see his installation as a call to service towards the development of Owu Kingdom and the state in general.
Gov. Abiodun equally charged the new monarch to join hands with his government towards achieving its vision of building the future of the state, especially now when his administration has charted a new economic blueprint for the state.
The governor described the new Olowu as a man of honour and integrity whose vast experience and intellectual prowess would bring immense growth to the kingdom.
He implored all sons and daughters of the kingdom to support the traditional ruler in his developmental agenda to take the town to greater heights.
Our correspondent, who has been following the crowning of Olowu since Monday, October 24, revealed that while The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, stood by the Kabiyesi, who is their member, The Criterion rallied round the Senior wife, Olori Khadijah, who is an active member of the association, since the day her husband was nominated as the Olowu.
Olori Khadijah spearheaded the newly floated non-governmental organisation, Oba Oluyalo, Otileta VII Foundation, which was established to provide impactful interventions in education, healthcare, women, and youth affairs, to the Owu community.
The foundation was launched on Wednesday, October 27 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta immediately after the colloquium, chaired by JAMB Registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.
Speaking with Muslim News after the launch, Olori Khadijah, who appreciated the unflinching support The Criterion has rendered from its inception, said the foundation would have great impact on the lives in the community.
She said, “You know, I am a woman and my passion is for women and children. I am an active member of The Criterion and our major focus is to see to the welfare of women and children. So, they all rally round me to show me love and support.
“As the King’s responsibility is to see the affairs of everybody in the Kingdom, we thought of concentrating on children and women, especially in the area of education, welfare, guidance and counselling and empowerment, among others. (Watch out for senior and junior Olori’s interviews in the November print edition or Muslim News).
Alhaja Dhikratullah Abiodun Matesun-Oshodi, the immediate past Amirah of The Criterion, Lagos district, who led the delegation of the faith-based organisation at the event thanked Allah for the success of the coronation ceremony.
According to her, Alhamdulillah, we are here to celebrate our brother, Oba Matemilola. We know him to be a devout Muslim, and interestingly, his wife, Hajia Khadijah is one of us. She is the coordinator of the lighthouse estate branch of our organisation in Lagos. So, we are in support of everything, from the beginning to this moment, so that the people will know this is the time for Islam and Muslims.
Alhaja Matesun-Oshodi described the new Olowu of Owu as a devout Muslim that loves his family and is passionate about women, and children, which is the objective of The Criterion.
“Recall that at the last event (the launching of the foundation), you could see that it is all about children, women and the welfare of the community at large. That is why we are giving them all the necessary support. May Allah, the Lord of the Throne, make their tenure fruitful and enduring”, she noted.
Also, glad to speak with Muslim News was Alhaja Maryam Arinola Alege, former National Secretary of The Criterion, who congratulated the Kabiyesi and his Oloris, praying Allah, to guide and straighten the Kabiyesi, his Oloris, and the entire Matemilola, in their eeman (faith) in Allah.
According to her, I am highly excited to be here to celebrate with our brother, Kabiyesi, and most importantly, our sister, Olori Khadijah, who is our member, on this glorious day. We pray that Allah will guide them on the right path.
“We also pray Allah not to take away their Islam, because there is nobody that is beyond trial. May Allah not try them, because this new duty is a big responsibility. If every devout Muslim is running away from it, unconscious people will rule and contaminate it. Now that they are there, there will be an improvement in the lives of every member of the community.
Hajiah Sakinah Abdulganiy, the Treasurer of The Criterion, Lagos district, also spoke with Muslim News at the presentation of staff of office to the new Olowu.
I rejoice with the new Olowu of Owu Kingdom, especially his wife, who is an active member of our organisation. She coordinates the affairs of our members in the estate. She is a very quiet woman, easygoing. May Allah bless the family.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Matemilola assured all sons and daughters of Owu kingdom that he would lead the way and facilitate the growth of the kingdom, calling on groups, religious leaders and individuals in the kingdom to play their parts with trust, dedication and unity.
According to Oba Matemilola, the Olowu stool is unique and comes with great responsibilities, promising to live up to the virtues, principles and values as exemplified by his predecessors.
The event was also attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including former governors, Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 in Warri; the Alake of Egbaland , Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and other traditional rulers, including religious organisations such Lighthouse Muslim community, The Companion, Al-Usrah Incorporated, a religious institution in Port Harcourt.
