Olowu of Owu Kingdom Appoints Engr. Oluyemi Ogundele as New Amona, Installation Set for July 31
By: Sesan Rufus Awobiye
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, has announced the appointment of retired United Nations official and diaspora community leader, Engr. Oluyemi Olawale Ogundele, as the new Amona of Owu Kingdom.
The installation ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Olowu Palace in Oke Ago Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State. During the ceremony, Engr. Ogundele and his wife, Omobukola Arike Ogundele, will be formally installed as Amona Olowu and Yeye Amona Olowu respectively.
The appointment reflects the monarch’s continued commitment to selecting accomplished and distinguished individuals for traditional leadership positions within the kingdom. Oba Matemilola, widely respected for his meticulous approach to governance and preservation of Owu traditions, is known for appointing individuals with proven records of excellence and service.
Engr. Ogundele brings decades of professional and community leadership experience to his new role. A retired United Nations staff member, he currently serves as the Coordinator of Omo Olowu Oduru in Diaspora, where he has played a key role in strengthening ties among Owu descendants living abroad.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ogundele is recognised as a passionate advocate for Yoruba cultural heritage. A recipient of the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Award, he has been instrumental in promoting Yoruba traditions internationally. He is among the organisers of Yoruba cultural festivals in Europe and coordinates the widely celebrated Adire Carnival in Vienna, Austria.
Speaking on his lifelong commitment to cultural promotion, Engr. Ogundele once remarked, “Engineering is my profession, but promoting Yoruba cultural heritage is my passion.” The statement reflects his dedication to preserving and showcasing Yoruba customs on the global stage.
His appointment as Amona is expected to further strengthen the kingdom’s cultural and traditional values while fostering greater engagement with the Owu diaspora.
As preparations continue for the installation ceremony, well-wishers and members of the Owu community have extended their congratulations to Engr. Ogundele and his wife, expressing confidence that they will make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of the kingdom.
— Adapted from information released by Infotrust.
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