Long live Olowo of Owo

Chiefs on their knees greeting the Monarch

Sitting majestically on the beautiful artistic wooden- carved chair that depicts and wields  the power of authority where the first class monarch Oba (Dr) D.V.F Olateru -Olagbegi III received  his August Visitors ; the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu last week . 
  The Monarch's  royal chair  showed he is a lover of arts, culture and tradition as the chair's carvings has many artworks  on it . On top of the chair is the carving of a crown while  carvings of  a lion's head is  on each of  the handle of the  chair .Not  only this,  leopard skin  is used as cover cloth on the cushion where he rested his  head and   arms . The  carvings of two elephants with their tusks sprouting out from the two sides of the chair  is noted . While the two giant golden -coloured big traditional  swords (agada)  are conspicuously displayed behind the two sides of the chair . The royal father's  traditional cap  and   fly whisk (irukere)  also have  crowns   engraved on it  and by his side was his beaded royal walking stick . All these  depict the authority he wields.

 
 Fasawe paying homage to Olowo 

    While on  their knees, the chiefs  stretched out  their hands  and greeted and showered prayer on   the  Monarch  thus:


 Leeeji  waaa gbo, waa to, waa je ju bare
Tu wa pe ghin waaaa
Orisa Oke ma dimi s'Ologho
Unn tunkan niise
Tuwa r'ehin odi
Oke t'edo Male
Tu wa kaa yu ku wa ka waaa

Translation
Our Monarch, you will grow old 
and lived more than your forefathers
May the Creator above not let me offend you 
No evil shall befall you
 You will always be on top
You will be going and be coming 


    Even the Vice President  and the state Governor bowed

Yoruba Monarchs are greeted with total respect, honour and dignity , no matter how highly placed you are no matter your age you must prostrate and pay obeisance to the King. When Oni  of Ife was installed his father prostrated for him
An Oba is the one called Oba Lori ohun gbogbo. He is the head and owner of the land .


 


An Oba is next to Olodumare in Yoruba land
He is second to the Olodumare
He is revered and respected

While they greet and pray for the Monarch, he too will respond and pray for them in return. But he who  does  not respect the King and  give him his due (honour) has already  placed a  curse on himself because their ( monarchs) lips are full of Ase and whatever they say will surely come to pass because they are ordained by God. The Yoruba believe they are God's representatives on earth  no wonder everybody wants their prayers irrespective of  political or religious affiliations, irrespective of sex , status and age. Even Men of God , the pastors and Imams do give them their respect.
       Traditional rulers are respected, feared and honoured because they are  highly influential and powerful   no wonder they need their blessings.
Kaaaaaabiyesi o, I am here prostrating and saying 
K'ade pe lori,
 ki 'bata pe lese.