By Julius Alabi, Akure
Prince Ogunoye Ajibade Gbadegesin on Friday emerged as the new traditional ruler of the ancient town of Owo in Ondo State.
Fifteen senior Omolowo voted to elect Ogunoye at the Olowo Palace courtyard in Owo. While Prince Olateru Olagbegi scored one vote,
Gbadegesin, a civil servant, polled 14 votes to emerge as the 32nd Olowo of Owo.
Sixteen other princes scored no vote in the election that lasted over three hours. Eighteen candidates including Princes Ogunoye Akinola Olawamide, Ogunoye Philip Adegoke Adegbite, Olatunde Aragun Ogunoye, Ogunoye Adekolajo, Ogunoye Olanrewaju Adelotan, Ogunoyeyi Ajibade Gbadegesin, Ogunoye Olatunde Aragun, Ogunoye Olugbemiga Peter and Ajike Olatubosun Oluwayemi contested for the ancient stool.
Others who were screened alongside Gbadegesin are Olagbegi Mowasola, Ogunoye Michael Gboyega, Olateru-Olagbegi Adesuyi, Olateru-Olagbegi Olaleke, Ogunoye Emmanuel Ademola, Ogunoye Adegboyega Victor, Ajike Charles Adedayo, Ogunoye Monday Ogundeji and Ogunoye Olanrewaju Bernard.
The throne of Olowo became vacant following the demise of Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, who joined his ancestors on Tuesday, April 16, this year.