“A Call to Service”: Adebutu Installed Gbademu of Owu Kingdom

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has installed the Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, as the Gbademu of Owu Kingdom, while his wife, Adenike Adebutu, was installed as the Yeye Gbademu.

Adebutu described the title as “a call to service” and pledged to use it to bring development to Owu Kingdom, Egba and Ogun State at large.

A Royal Recognition

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has installed the Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu, as the Gbademu of Owu Kingdom . His wife, Adenike Adebutu, was also installed as the Yeye Gbademu of Owu Kingdom .

The installation ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the palace of the Olowu in Abeokuta, and was attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, family members, friends and other dignitaries .

Part of the dignitaries present was the wife of the former governor of Ogun, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, who represented her husband.

A Call to ServiceSpeaking shortly after his installation, Adebutu expressed appreciation to the Olowu and the people of Owu Kingdom for finding him worthy of the honour.

According to him, the title will further strengthen his commitment to the development of the people, adding it is not merely a traditional recognition but a call to greater service to the community and the state.

“We will use this title to bring development, not only to Owu Kingdom but also to Egba and Ogun state at large. This honour comes with a responsibility, and we’ll do our best to justify the confidence reposed in us,” Adebutu said.

He stressed his family’s longstanding connection with Abeokuta, noting that his roots in the town made the honour particularly significant to him and his family.

“My family has deep roots in Abeokuta, and this recognition is therefore very dear to us. We see it as a call to contribute more meaningfully to the growth and development of our people. This is not just a title; it is a call to service,” he said.

The Monarch’s Charge

Oba Matemilola, while presenting the certificates to the newly installed Gbademu and Yeye Gbademu, urged them to work diligently towards the development of Owu Kingdom and Ogun State .

The traditional ruler described Adebutu as a man of unquestionable character, adding that his qualities and contributions to society informed the decision to honour him with the traditional title.

“Ladi Adebutu is a man of unquestionable character. This title is a recognition of his personality, his commitment to the people, and his capacity to contribute to the development of our kingdom. I charge you to work hard and use this honour to promote development in Owu and Ogun State. The title comes with responsibility, and we expect you to live up to the confidence placed in you,” he said.

The Wife’s Commitment

Speaking earlier, Mrs Adebutu described the traditional title as a privilege and a responsibility, promising to support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and development of women, families and the wider Owu community .”I am deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition. I accept this title with humility and a strong sense of responsibility. I will do my best to justify the confidence and honour that the Olowu and the people of Owu Kingdom have placed in me,” she said .

She also pledged to work alongside her husband to contribute meaningfully to the development of Owu Kingdom and Ogun State.

A Lesson for Nigeria

The installation of Ladi Adebutu as Gbademu of Owu Kingdom is a recognition of the role that traditional institutions play in the political and social life of Nigeria.

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The same politicians who seek traditional titles will never allow their own children to be denied such honours. Their families are protected.

For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: traditional institutions remain relevant. The monarchy, the chieftaincy, the palace, these are not relics of the past but living institutions that shape the political landscape.

Adebutu’s installation is a reminder that politicians who seek to lead must also seek the blessing of the traditional rulers who command the loyalty of their communities.

Respect traditional institutions. Honour your roots. And never forget that the palace is as important as the ballot box.