A frontline member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), United Kingdom Chapter, Michael Kolawole Ogunseye has been installed as Baagbimo of Owu Kingdom, at a ceremony held at the palace of Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Oke-Ago-Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
Hi wife, Chief (Mrs) Toyin Ogunseye, was also installed as Yeye Baagbimo of Owu Kingdom at a ceremony witnessed by family, friends and other well-wishers.
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola accompanied by his two Oloris and notable Owu Chiefs presented the duo with their certificates amidst loud ovation and fanfare.
Ogunseye expressed joy on the installation and assured the monarch about his readiness and genuine 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, with two notable musicians: Busola and Her Glorious band and Ogodo Egbega on the band stand.
The royal fathers of the reception, Oba Reuben Sogaolu of Orile-Imo and Oba Adedayo Okubena (Eleruwon of Eruwon) noted that the installation of the Ogunseyes was a call to service.
The traditional rulers commended Ogunseye for his philanthropic gestures, adding that they were glad to be part of the ceremony.
The Baagbimo of Owu Kingdom is from the Abuye family compound, Totoro, Owu, Abeokuta. He is the son of late Madam Janet Ibiyemi Ashabi Ogunseye, the Asiwaju of Gbagura Christians, as well as Akinlagun of Egba Christians.
The new High Chief was ordained an Evangelist in 1998 by Baptist Church Evangelical Mission in United Kingdom and worked at BP Oil and Gas as Offshore Accountant in the United Kingdom.
He was a member of June 12 Alliance in the United Kingdom during the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, while in 1990 he formed a human rights group called Justice for Nigeria, which assisted many Nigerians that sought political asylum in the United Kingdom during the then military rule junta.
The Owu chief, who has received local and international awards for his humanitarian works, is a member of Labour Party in United Kingdom, and recently received Phd in leadership from Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative in 2024. He is currently Chairman of Solace Drugs Abuse and Mental Health Advocacy Group under Oba Saka Matemilola Foundation
Notable personalities at the occasion include Prof Olusesi Obateye, International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative incorporated; Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder Penpushing Media); Alhaji Salau (retired Permanent Secretary); Yemi Oke (Senior Advocate of Nigeria); Seyi Oladimeji (Director Ogun State Ministry of Information) and Chief Festus Kehinde (former General Manager, Ogun State Television), as well as members of Abeokuta Sports Club.
