By Sam Biodun Ogundipe & Gbenga Adeaga in London

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo participated in the 2026 Odun Omo Olowu in Diaspora festival in London, held between May 8 and 9, 2026. Obasanjo, who is the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, attended the event alongside the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, at the Oasis Banqueting Hall in Barking, London.

This year’s celebration marks the second edition of the Odun Omo Olowu Festival in Diaspora. The Father of the Day, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Balogun of Owu kingdom passionately urged Nigerians in the diaspora to teach their children the Yoruba language and uphold Yoruba culture and traditions, stressing that cultural identity remains a lasting legacy for future generations.

Emphasizing the importance of preserving the bond that unites the Owu people across the world, Balogun Owu called for sustained unity, peace, and harmony among Owu descendants both at home and abroad.

As Balogun, he has frequently stressed the importance of unity among the Owu people, advocating for the preservation of their heritage and traditions, particularly through the “Awaken the Owu Spirit” theme.

The Special Guest of Honour, former governor of Ogun State senator Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his wife Chief Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, commended the organisers for putting together a remarkable cultural celebration. She encouraged sons and daughters of Owu Kingdom to remain worthy ambassadors of Owu heritage and continue promoting the rich values, culture, and traditions of the kingdom globally.

Senator Ibikunle Amosun in his speech also commended the Balogun owu his strong efforts at uniting sons and daughters of owu regardless the location and settlement worthy of appreciation.

Speaking as the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola highlighted the significance of Odun Omo Olowu in Diaspora, describing it as a platform created to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom while promoting the unity, welfare, and progress of Owu sons and daughters across the world.

Kabiyesi Olowu Matemilola emphasized that the influence and heritage of the Owu Kingdom extend beyond Nigeria into several parts of West Africa, making the celebration an important symbol of identity and togetherness for Owu descendants globally.

The event also featured the traditional Ilasu rites, performed by Kabiyesi amidst strong prayers in traditional ritua rites for peace, unity, growth, and continuous progress among Owu people both home and in the diaspora.

Earlier in his welcome address, The Chairman coordinating committee of the 2026 Odun omo olowu in diaspora, Engineer Oluyemi Olawale Ogundele gives thanks to God for making the celebrations possible . He called on all Owu sons and daughters all over the world to embrace the Odun omo olowu in diaspora celebrations by participating and become financial members .

He gave glowing tributes to His royal Majesty Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof Saka Adelola Matemilola, Balogun Owu Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and wife Chief Mrs Olufunso Amosun Yeye MOREMI of OODUA and all other foremost Owu traditional rulers presents at the occasion which include the Olota of Ota , Oba Prof Adeyemi Abdul Kabir Obalanlege.

The 2026 Odun Omo olowu in Diaspora, London event was preceded with a town hall meetings and celebrations for Owu indigenes in the UK, Europe, and Ireland.