His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu, on Monday formally launched Odun Omo Olowu 2026 with a call for collective action to strengthen the kingdom’s legacy through education, healthcare, youth empowerment and community development.
Speaking at a press conference marking the official commencement of the annual festival, the monarch said this year’s theme, “Awakening to Action: Strengthening The Owu Legacy,” underscores that heritage and culture must inspire practical service to the people and investment in future generations.
The 13-day celebration runs from 19 to 31 October 2026 and will bring together Owu indigenes at home and in the diaspora, traditional rulers, invited guests and other stakeholders. Key events include inter-faith prayers, youth sports and a symposium, the groundbreaking of the Owu Muslim Hospital, visits to Apomu, Erunmu, Orile Ifo and Abule Owu, the Ogbe Festival and project commissioning, chieftaincy installations, the Oritafisewe and Awards event, and the Ajibosin Colloquium and Dinner. The festival ends with a grand finale on Saturday, 31 October.
Oba Matemilola highlighted the work of the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI) and its partners, which he said has impacted more than 200,000 lives this year across education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth development, clean water and environmental sustainability. Programmes include educational support for over 800 senior secondary school students, more than 13,000 school meals, over 2,000 medical outreaches, vocational training for 135 young people, more than 250 women empowerment projects, and clean-water interventions reaching over 80,000 people in 50 communities.
He also noted the renovation and commissioning of the Owu Igosun Primary Health Centre and ongoing work on the Olomore Hospital project as evidence of the kingdom’s commitment to community wellbeing.
The monarch acknowledged the contributions of his Oloris. Olori Adijat Bamidele Matemilola, through the Oba Matemilola Oluyalo Otileta VII Foundation, supports education, girls’ rights, women’s empowerment and community welfare, including collaboration with the League of Owu Oloris on the International Day of the Girl Child. Olori Cecilia Naadensua Matemilola focuses on youth leadership, education, entrepreneurship and cultural diplomacy, engaging students and exploring international partnerships.
Addressing the youth, Oba Matemilola urged active participation in the festival. “You are not merely inheritors of Owu history; you are its future custodians. Your choices, skills and contributions will shape the legacy we leave behind,” he said.
He called on the wider Owu community to promote education, improve healthcare, support enterprise, protect the environment and create opportunities for the next generation. “Our heritage is both a gift and a responsibility. We honour our forebears not only by remembering their achievements, but also by building upon them,” the Olowu stated.
The monarch thanked organisers, partners, volunteers and the media for their roles in advancing the aspirations of Owu Kingdom, and formally welcomed all to Odun Omo Olowu 2026 with traditional greetings: “A kúu odún. A kúu ìyèdún. Èmí wa á se púpò láyé.”