The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adeola Matemilola, has conferred the title of “Are Bobatolu of Owu Kingdom” on the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in recognition of what the monarch described as his development efforts.
According to a statement issued by Chief Kayode Odunaro, Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the APC Campaign Council, and dated September 18, 2026, the monarch also expressed support for Adeola’s aspiration to become governor of Ogun State in the 2027 election.
Speaking at his palace when Adeola and his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, paid a visit to the kingdom, Oba Matemilola said the development of his domain and the welfare of his people remained a major concern to him.
The monarch said Adeola’s interventions in road infrastructure around the Owu Kingdom and other parts of Ogun Central had made an impact on residents.
“I am a lover of development and impacting on the lives of my people. That was the reason for the establishment of the Olowu Hope Initiatives which is impacting on 200,000 people daily,” the monarch said.
He added that he was aware of Adeola’s development efforts in his senatorial district and other parts of Ogun State, including the Owu Kingdom.
“I am therefore bestowing on you the title of ‘Are Bobatolu of Owu Kingdom’ for your development strides and your promises to do more as elected Governor,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Osi of Egbaland, High Chief Bode Mustapha, said he and some other Egba leaders, including former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, began supporting Adeola’s political journey about 13 years ago.
Mustapha said their support was based on their conviction that Adeola had the capacity to contribute to the development of Ogun State.
The Towulade of Akinale Owu, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, also said Adeola had demonstrated capacity through projects in his area, citing the completion of a two-kilometre critical link road.
Earlier, Adeola said he was not a stranger to the Olowu’s palace, noting that he had consistently identified with development initiatives involving the people of Owu.
He said his visit was to seek the royal blessings and support of the Owu people for his governorship aspiration.
Adeola said his empowerment programmes and infrastructure projects were designed to create positive impact on the people, adding that he would partner with the Olowu Hope Initiatives to expand its reach and impact.
