On 25th Remembrance (Photos)
Prince Goke Olateru-Olagbegi, the son of the late Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, the former Olowo of Owo in Ondo State, recently marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of his father’s passing with a heartfelt tribute. In the tribute, titled “Twenty-five Years of the Passing of ‘The Solomon of Our Time,'” Goke described his father as a trailblazer and a man like no other.
Goke praised his father for his many accomplishments, including being an education lover, philanthropist, avid reader, and a great ruler. He also described how his father had brought unprecedented development to Owo during his reign, including facilitating the introduction of modern amenities like electricity, pipe-borne water, and teacher training colleges.
Goke talked about his father’s love for sports and how he encouraged all his children to participate in sports, especially lawn tennis. He also sponsored lawn tennis and billiard tournaments nationally. Goke mentioned how King Wasiu Ayinde, Kwam I, Olori Omo Oba Ijebu, had told him that he and his friends used to target the days the late Olowo played tennis at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos, to meet him there.
Goke also talked about his father’s futuristic vision, as he transformed his palace into one of the most modern palaces in Africa, complete with a replica of the Buckingham Palace. Additionally, Goke praised his father for his unwavering faith in God, facilitating the founding of the Methodist Church in Owo and being knighted by the Queen of England for his frontline participation in the attainment of Nigeria’s independence.
Goke concluded the tribute by expressing how much he missed his father and the private moments they shared. He also praised his father for his exceptional care for his family and his vision of creating a nation within a nation.
Your family, including your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, are growing at an unprecedented rate. Your forgiveness is truly remarkable. I recall when you forgave a General who played a part in your removal from office. When he came to you to beg for forgiveness, you told him that you had already forgiven him a long time ago. You explained that he didn’t have the power to do what he did, but it was God who needed you to have a break so that He could do great things in your life. I was truly amazed by your words.
Kabiyesi, I can confidently say a lot about you because of my closeness to you. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will continue to live on.
Rest in peace with your Lord.
Your son.
Prince Goke Olateru-Olagbegi
