Tradition Forbade Me From Seeing My Mother — Olota of Odo Owa

The Olota of Odo Owa, His Royal Majesty Oba Joshua Oluwatoba Adegbuyi Oluwanran Aniyeloye II, has disclosed that tradition forbids any reigning Olota from seeing his mother while she is alive.

The monarch made the revelation on Saturday while speaking with journalists at his palace in Odo Owa, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, during activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary.

According to Oba Adegbuyi, the custom is one of the sacred laws governing the Olota stool and must be strictly observed by anyone who ascends the throne. He stressed that compliance with traditional laws is non-negotiable, irrespective of personal emotions.

Recalling his installation in 2015, the monarch said some people had predicted that his reign would not last beyond three years. However, he attributed his survival and decade-long reign to the grace of God.

The Olota further revealed that, in addition to the restriction on seeing his mother, there are certain foods he is forbidden to eat, while tradition also prevents him from holding a hoe, despite being a farmer.

He admitted that the custom was emotionally challenging, especially the inability to see his mother, who is now late. He explained that while she was alive, communication was limited to phone calls, as video calls and physical contact were prohibited. “If given the opportunity, I would change all the forbidden practices, because it is not easy not seeing one’s mother,” the monarch said.

Oba Adegbuyi thanked God for sustaining him on the throne and noted that his reign has witnessed growth and development in Odo Owa. He also expressed appreciation to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the lawmaker representing Oke-Ero Constituency, and the Chairman of Oke-Ero Local Government Area for their support.

He urged indigenes and residents of Odo Owa to remain united and continue to support efforts aimed at the development of the community.