By Daniel Kudayah
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, and the Towulade of Akinale, Oba Adediran Oluseyi, have told Nigerian youths to embrace responsible citizenship, prioritise community development and make informed political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Oba Matemilola identified improved education, healthcare delivery and job creation as critical to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, Oba Oluseyi cautioned youths against allowing politicians to exploit them during campaigns or induce them with money in exchange for political support.
The traditional rulers spoke on Monday at a press conference marking the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Oba Matemilola stressed the need for collective action to build a prosperous society, noting that access to quality education, stronger healthcare services, enterprise development and employment opportunities for young people were essential to national growth.
He disclosed that the Owu Heritage Initiative (OHI), through partnerships with more than 10 organisations, had impacted over 200,000 people across its four intervention pillars.
According to him, the initiative had provided educational support to more than 800 senior secondary school students, distributed over 13,000 school meals and conducted more than 2,000 medical outreaches.
He added that 135 youths had benefited from vocational training, while more than 250 women empowerment projects had been implemented to improve livelihoods and promote economic inclusion.
The monarch further disclosed that the initiative’s clean-water projects had reached more than 80,000 people in 50 communities.
On healthcare, Oba Matemilola cited the renovation and commissioning of the Owu Igosun Primary Health Centre and ongoing work on the Olomore Hospital project as part of efforts to improve access to medical services.
He called on individuals, community leaders and other stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at improving living standards and creating a sustainable future.
“Let us continue to promote education, improve our healthcare, support enterprise growth, protect our environment and create opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
The monarch also told members of the Owu Kingdom to preserve their cultural heritage and uphold the values of unity, good character and community development.
He said preserving the kingdom’s legacy required more than celebrating the achievements of its forebears, stressing the need to sustain their contributions through meaningful development.
“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,” he said.
In his remarks, the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Adediran Oluseyi, warned youths against being used for political campaigns or accepting money in exchange for political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He told young Nigerians to examine the backgrounds, records and credentials of candidates before deciding whom to support, saying electoral choices should be based on character, competence and proven achievements rather than temporary financial benefits.
“Our youths should not be used in any form for political campaigns. They should sit down and go through the profiles of the people they are voting for. Who are they? Where are they coming from? What have they done that you have to vote for them?” he said.
Oba Oluseyi expressed concern that financial inducements could distract young people from their responsibility to make informed electoral choices, warning that exchanging political support for money could undermine the country’s future.
He also told parents, teachers and community leaders to pay greater attention to the upbringing and education of young people, noting that the values instilled in them would shape the society they build.
According to him, youths must take their future seriously and resist pressure to exchange their votes for short-term financial gains.
“Temporary money is nothing. They should not allow themselves to be used for temporary money,” he said.
The monarch likened responsible voting to laying a solid foundation for the future, arguing that sustainable national development required informed electoral choices.
He told eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in the 2027 general elections and encourage others to exercise their civic responsibilities.
“Get your PVC. On election day, go there and do your bidding. Encourage others to vote. That should be your assignment,” he said.
Meanwhile, activities lined up for the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu festival include interfaith prayers, youth sporting events, a symposium and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Owu Muslim Hospital.
Other programmes include 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.
The activities are expected to promote cultural celebration, community engagement, reflection on the kingdom’s history and development initiatives across Owu communities.
