The Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, received a warm royal welcome during his courtesy visit to Manchester.
The gathering brought together sons and daughters of Owu Kingdom living in Manchester and other parts of the United Kingdom. It provided an opportunity to celebrate culture, unity and the strong bond between Owu people at home and in the diaspora.
Oba Matemilola was welcomed with honour and excitement by members of the Owu community. The visit reflected the pride of Owu descendants in preserving their heritage while contributing positively to their host country.
The event was chaired and coordinated by Prince Sanjo Olurebi, who welcomed the royal father and his royal household. He commended the monarch for visiting Manchester and for his continued leadership of Owu sons and daughters across the world.
Speaking during the event, the Olowu said he was delighted to be in Manchester and pleased to meet members of the community in an atmosphere of peace and joy.
He encouraged Omo Owu in the diaspora to remain united, support one another and work together for the progress of the community. The monarch said unity remained one of the strongest tools for development, adding that Owu people must continue to live peacefully wherever they find themselves.
Oba Matemilola also praised the growth of Manchester and acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians and Africans to the city’s social, economic and cultural development.
The monarch further urged Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora to embrace their culture and teach their children the values, traditions and history of their roots.
According to him, children born or raised abroad should not be disconnected from their heritage. He said parents must help them understand where they come from, their language and the cultural values that shape their identity.
The Olowu also reminded members of the community to support one another, saying they must continue to be their brother’s keeper.
The visit ended with renewed calls for unity, cultural pride and stronger cooperation among Owu sons and daughters in Manchester.
For many who attended, the royal visit was not only a cultural moment, but also a reminder that identity, heritage and community remain important, even far away from home.
