A frontline member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), United Kingdom chapter, Chief Michael Kolawole Ogunseye has been installed as Baagbimo of Owu Kingdom, at a ceremony held recently at the palace of Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Oke Ago-Owu, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital
Ogunseye, who flew in from United Kingdom, also had his wife, Toyin installed as Yeye Baagbimo of Owu Kingdom. The couple were accompanied by family, friends and other well-wishers.
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, accompanied by his two Oloris and notable Owu chiefs, presented the duo with their certificates amidst loud ovation and fanfare.
On receipt of certificate, Ogunseye expressed joy on the installation and assured the monarch of his readiness and determination to contribute positively to development of the Owu community
The train of the celebrants later moved to Abeokuta Sports Club, where guests were entertained, as two notable musicians, Busola and Her Glorious band and Ogodo Egbega on band stand.
The royal fathers of the reception, Oba Reuben Sogaolu of Orile-Imo and Oba Adedayo Okubena (Eleruwon of Eruwon) pointed out that the installation of the Ogunseyes was a call to service.
The traditional rulers commended Ogunseye for his known philanthropic gestures, adding that they were glad to be part of the epoch ceremony and encouraged the couple on need to contribute their quota to developmental growth of the community
The Baagbimo of Owu Kingdom is from the Abuye family compound, Totoro, Owu, Abeokuta, and he is the son of late Madam Janet Ibiyemi Ashabi Ogunseye, and the Asiwaju of Gbagura Christians, as well as Akinlagun of Egba Christians.
The new chief was ordained Evangelist in 1998 by Baptist Church Evangelical Mission in the United Kingdom and was a Warranty Manager and BP Oil and Gas as Offshore Accountant in the United Kingdom
He was a member of 12 June Alliance in the United Kingdom during the struggle for democracy in Nigeria. In 1990, he formed a human rights group, Justice for Nigeria. The group assisted many Nigerians who sought political asylum in the United Kingdom against the military rule junta
The Owu chief, who has received local and international awards for his humanitarian works in Africa, is a member of Labour Party in the United Kingdom, and recently received PhD in leadership from Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative, while he is currently the Chairman of Solace Drugs Abuse and Mental Health Advocacy Group under Oba Saka Matemilola Foundation
Personalities at the occasion included the International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Incorporated, Prof. Olusesi Obateye; Founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji; Alhaji Salau (retired Permanent Secretary), Yemi Oke (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), Seyi Oladimeji (a Director at the Ogun State Ministry of Information) and Chief Festus Kehinde (former General Manager at Ogun State Television), and members of Abeokuta Sports Club, among others.
