The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has been installed as the Gbademu of Owu Kingdom in recognition of his personality, connection to the community and contributions to the development of society.
Adebutu received the prestigious traditional title on Tuesday at the palace of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a ceremony attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, family members, friends and other dignitaries, Adebutu’s wife, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, was also installed as the Yeye Gbademu of Owu Kingdom.
The colourful ceremony brought together prominent personalities from across Ogun State and beyond, reflecting the significance attached to the traditional recognition.
Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was represented at the occasion by his wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun.
Adebutu: Title Comes With Responsibility
Speaking shortly after his installation, Adebutu expressed appreciation to the Olowu and the people of Owu Kingdom for finding him worthy of the honour.
He described the title as more than a traditional recognition, stressing that it represented a fresh call to service and a responsibility to contribute more meaningfully to the development and wellbeing of the people.
According to him, the honour would further strengthen his commitment to the development of Owu Kingdom, Egba land and Ogun State as a whole.
“We will use this title to bring development, not only to Owu Kingdom, but also to Egba and Ogun State at large. This honour comes with a responsibility, and we will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in us.”
Adebutu further noted that the recognition was particularly significant to him and his family because of their longstanding ties to Abeokuta.
He said his family had deep roots in the city, adding that the traditional title had therefore reinforced his determination to contribute to the advancement of the people and communities with which he shares a historic connection.
“My family has deep roots in Abeokuta, and this recognition is, therefore, very dear to us. We see it as a call to contribute more meaningfully to the growth and development of our people.”
The PDP governorship candidate pledged to continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting the development of Owu Kingdom and improving the welfare of its people.
Olowu Charges New Title Holders on Development
Presenting the certificates of installation to Adebutu and his wife, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, charged the newly installed title holders to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The monarch described Adebutu as a man of unquestionable character, noting that his personality, commitment to the people and contributions to society were among the factors that informed the decision to honour him with the traditional title.
“Ladi Adebutu is a man of unquestionable character. This title is a recognition of his personality, his commitment to the people and his capacity to contribute to the development of our kingdom.”
Oba Matemilola urged Adebutu to deploy the influence and opportunities that come with the title towards advancing development in Owu Kingdom and Ogun State.
The monarch emphasised that traditional titles were not merely ceremonial honours but positions that came with expectations and responsibilities to the people.
Yeye Gbademu Pledges Support for Women, Families
Also speaking after her installation, Mrs Adenike Adebutu described her emergence as Yeye Gbademu as a privilege and a responsibility.
She expressed gratitude to the Olowu and the people of Owu Kingdom for the recognition, promising to work towards initiatives that would improve the welfare of women, families and the wider community.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition. I accept this title with humility and a strong sense of responsibility. I will do my best to justify the confidence and honour that the Olowu and the people of Owu Kingdom have placed in me.”
The installation of the Adebutus adds another traditional dimension to their public service and community engagement, with both title holders expected to leverage their positions in supporting development-oriented initiatives across Owu Kingdom and the wider Ogun State.
The ceremony ended with goodwill messages and congratulations from dignitaries, traditional stakeholders, family members and associates who gathered to celebrate the new Gbademu and Yeye Gbademu of Owu Kingdom.
