The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has said Nigeria's cultural heritage will only have meaning if it drives collective action for education, healthcare, enterprise and environmental protection.
Oba Matemilola stated this on Monday at his palace in Oke Ago Owu, Abeokuta, while briefing newsmen at a press conference to flag off Odun Omo Olowu 2026.
The monarch, who spoke on the year's theme, 'A Movement to Action: Strengthening The Owu Legacy', said heritage must go beyond fanfare.
Oba Matemilola said culture must be treated as both a gift and a responsibility, warning that celebrating tradition without transmitting its values is empty.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that the strength of our kingdom lies in the unity, character and commitment of our people. Let us continue to promote education, improve healthcare, support enterprise, protect our environment and create opportunities for the next generation.
“We honour our forebears not only by remembering their achievements, but also by building upon them. We preserve our culture not only by celebrating our traditions, but also by transmitting our values to the next generation,” he said.
The first-class monarch said Odun Omo Olowu, which runs for 13 days and will climax on October 31, 2026, is not just a reunion of Owu sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, but a platform to renew commitment to community progress.
He urged young people to see themselves as custodians of history, adding that their choices and skills will shape the legacy left behind.
Also speaking, the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, warned youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs or induced with money ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oba Adediran maintained that young people must interrogate the background and capacity of those seeking their votes, rather than follow money.
“We are saying our youths should not be used in any form for political campaign. Our youths should sit down and go through the profiles of people they are voting for,” Oba Adediran said.
“Who are they? Where are they coming from? When we were growing up we used to read biographies. Google their biography, know them. What's their strength? Who is their father? Who is their mother? What have they done that you have to vote for them? These are pointers that youths have to follow so that you will know how to direct your path.”
The monarch also warned against vote-buying and the get-rich-quick syndrome, describing it as a path to destruction.
“Life is not just anyhow. Somebody doesn't just bring money and give you money and say we are voting. Temporary money is nothing.
“If you don't have proper foundation, you cannot go high. So please we encourage you, don't use your strength, don't be used for temporary money. Get your PVC. On Election Day, go there, do your bidding and encourage others to vote. That should be your assignment,” he added.
Ogun monarchs preach responsibility, warn youths against vote-buying