The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and his wife, Adenike Adebutu, have been installed as the Gbademu and Yeye Gbademu of Owu Kingdom respectively.
The couple were installed on Tuesday at the palace of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, political associates, family members, friends and other eminent personalities, including a former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun.
Presenting certificates to the newly installed traditional title holders, Oba Matemilola said the honour was in recognition of their contributions to community development and their commitment to the welfare of the people.
The Olowu described Adebutu as a man of unquestionable character whose personality, contributions to society and capacity to support development informed the decision to honour him with the title.
He charged the couple to regard their new positions not merely as traditional honours but as responsibilities to support initiatives that would improve the lives of the people of Owu Kingdom and Ogun State.
The monarch said, “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.”
Speaking after his installation, Adebutu expressed appreciation to the Olowu and the people of Owu Kingdom for finding him and his wife worthy of the honours.
He described the title as more than a traditional recognition, saying it represented a fresh call to service and would strengthen his commitment to the development of the people.
The PDP stabdard bearer pledged to use the platform to promote development across Owu, Egba and Ogun State.
Adebutu said, “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 will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in us.
“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. Together, we will continue to support the growth and development of our people and contribute positively to the progress of Owu Kingdom.”
Speaking in tbe same vein, Mrs Adebutu described the Yeye Gbademu title as both a privilege and a responsibility.
She pledged to work alongside her husband to support initiatives focused on 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.
