The ancient largest palace in Africa was Agog on the 18th of December 2020 as the Olowo of Owo Land, His Royal Majesty Oba Ajibade Ogunoye honored one of his illustrious sons, Chief Funsho Ogunla along with his beautiful wife as Aare GbadegunAdafin and Yeye Gbadegun of Iloro, Owo Kingdom.

The title was conferred on Ogunla after he was found to be a worthy and a thorough-bred Owo son, who is culturally inclined to wear the toga of the royalty and traditionally oriented to promote the traditional institution of Owo land.

The prestigious title is deeply rooted in the origin of the old Owo Empire and bestows on its holder enormous legitimate authority across the kingdom, according to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.

The Olowo of Owo said Funsho and his wife showed leadership prowess and global philanthropic gestures that distinguish them as worthy recipients of the award.

“Funsho and his wife have for a long time remained frontline leaders of traditional repute committed to fostering grassroots development in the ancient city of Owo Kingdom and the entire humanity. Their philanthropic act and charitable activities have distinguished them as one of the great icons in the ancient city of Owo Kingdom.”

In an exclusive Interview with CEOAFRICA, the Olowo of Owo Land revealed that the conferment of chieftaincy titles on the couple was as a result of their notable humanitarian and philanthropic activities they have been doing for indigenes of Owo kingdom at both e and abroad, and the society at large, adding that both have undertaken developmental projects which have impacted on the youths and the generality of people of Owo community.

Indeed, the conferment and honor bestowed on Chief and Chief Mrs. FunshoOgunla is one of the most respected chieftaincy titles, from Iloro quarters in Owo Kingdom. However, this is a call to do more.

“Aare Gbadegun Adafin has been separated and included in our ancient quarter called Iloro Quarter, which is constituted by a set of people of this kingdom who came with the Olowo right from Ile-Ife,” he noted.

“Also, Yeye Gbadegun Adafin has been secluded and included into Igboroko Quarter. So, while there, she will equally be contributing to the palace and the kingdom at large.”

According to him, both Iloro and Igboroko Quarters are so unique in Owo Kingdom, “so they have been given the highest and notable quarters of our kingdom, His Royal Majesty said.

While attesting to their impacts on the kingdom, the indefatigable Imperial Majesty said the new chieftaincy titles conferred on the couple is a challenge to them to continue to impact positively on the kingdom and humanity as a whole, a task which they have been well noted for.

However, he said their roles as Aare Gbadegun Adafin and Yeye GbadegunAdafin requires total loyalty to the king in terms of supporting the king, especially in whatever steps that is being taken for the sake and benefit of the kingdom at large.  He then charged them that the installation was a call to do more for Owo Kingdom.

The Coronation ceremony, which  was held on Friday 18th of December 2020  witnessed the presence of notable Yoruba personalities, friends of the celebrant  including: Mr. Femi Fajolu, USA; Mr. James Kofoworola Olakiigbe, USA; Mr. Sanya Ogunrayewa, USA; Mrs Blessing Ijasanmi of the National Museum, Owo; and Prof. Nelson BanjiFashina of the University of Ibadan, among other notable personalities like Chief Ola Famakinwa, the powerful Odofogho of Iloro, Chief Alajagho, a personal Aide of the Kabiyesi Olowo and so many other chiefs from Owo Kingdom.