The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, has appointed retired United Nations official and Diaspora community leader, Engr. Oluyemi Olawale Ogundele, as the new Amona of Owu Kingdom.
Ogundele and his wife, Mrs. Omobukola Arike Ogundele, will be installed as Amona Olowu and Yeye Amona Olowu, respectively, during a traditional ceremony scheduled for July 31, 2026, at the Olowu Palace in Oke Ago Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The appointment is seen as another significant addition to the traditional institution under Oba Matemilola, who is widely known for his meticulous selection of palace chiefs.
Ogundele, a retired United Nations staff member, currently serves as the Coordinator of Omo Olowu Oduru in the Diaspora. He is also a recipient of the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Award in recognition of his contributions to national development and cultural promotion.
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Beyond his engineering career, Ogundele has earned recognition as a leading advocate of Yoruba cultural heritage. He is among the organisers of Yoruba cultural festivals in Europe and coordinates the annual Adire Carnival in Vienna, Austria, an event that showcases Yoruba arts, fashion and traditions to an international audience.
Speaking on his passion for cultural preservation in an earlier remark, Ogundele said, “Engineering is my profession, but promoting Yoruba cultural heritage is my passion.”
The Owu Kingdom, regarded as one of the foremost Yoruba kingdoms, has continued to strengthen its cultural heritage through the appointment of distinguished sons and daughters to key traditional positions.
The management and staff of Infotrust Media congratulated Engr. Ogundele and his wife on their elevation, expressing confidence that the new Amona would make meaningful contributions to the growth and preservation of the Owu Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
