Dateline: Tuesday, April 16, 2024. All roads literarily led to Akinale, an Owu town in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State founded by the legendry hunter and warrior, Odetoyinbo Akanni Lapeleke and his two siblings.
The occassion was the 5th meeting of the Royal Union of Owu Obas which was hosted by the Public Relations impresario and Towulade of Akinale, Oba (Dr.) Olufemi Ogunleye.
It was also supported by many sons and daughters of the town that has been witnessing rapid growth and development since Oba Ogunleye's enthronment many years ago.
Essentially, the gathering was meant to deliberate on the unity and corporate development of the Owu people, it also exhibited the cultural endowment of the Owu people in Akinale.
The Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Otileta VII led other Owu Obas within and outside the state to the occasion.
Chief Olu Fatoki, Oganla Owu, Crescent University's Head of Department of Mass Communication, Kola Adesina, Mr. Williams among others were in attendance.
Before the meeting went into private session, Oba Ogunleye while welcoming his brother Obas, Baales and chiefs expressed gratitude to God for making the day possible.
He canvassed continued love and unity among the Owu people irrespective of their status
While describing Balogun Owu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR as the strength and hope of the Owu people, Oba Ogunleye also acknowledged supports of the Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta, Oba Matemilola, Alhaji Moshood Ola Yusuf among other Owu personalities.
The royal father also appreciated the gallantry of Owu Baales, leaders and hunters in the zone. He particularly mentioned Chief Mukaila Sekoni, Baale Oke Oko and Dagunro Towulade of Akinale.
Oba Ogunleye also gave kudos to the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun as well as Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, Chief Sarumi Akinale and Obagbo Owu, Chief Olusegun Oyindasola for their unending supports at all times.
The royal father did not end his address without paying tribute to the late Balogun Erunmu, Chief Ekundayo Opaleye whom he described as a bosom friend and mentor.
Lapeleke's siblings were Majeogbe and Akinwale, circa 1836 through 1840 which shortly made Akinale became the epicentre of Owu Peace Keeping Militia (OPKM).
The OPKM was headed by Lapeleke and supported by his compatriots who included Jogunomi, Ojukotimi, Akindele Gbaalefa, Awayesonlu and Sangojinmi Gudugba among other vibrant game hunters.
The legends were the arrow heads of Owu Militia in the Egba Allied Forces that liberated Abeokuta from the interloping Dahomeyans amazon of the war century.
When Lapeleke was intensifying his expedition, he left Akinwale behind to hold fort and traversed another forest in search of games.
Lapeleke later settled in a community which was later named after him and over the years has transformed to national economic resource for cement production in Nigeria.
In the reminiscence of his great grandparents hunting prowess, dignitaries including the visiting royal fathers left the community with pieces of roasted antelope.
Intermittent booming of guns by local hunters amid cultural displays by Egungun masqueraders, drummers and others made the day memorable.
Members of the "Amotekun", joined by other plained-clothes security personnel made the venue secured as Owu drummers joined in entertainment of guests.
Gourds of original palm wine were freely served among other edible and assorted drinks.