| Olowo ofOwo | |
|---|---|
| Incumbent | |
 | |
| Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III since 2019 | |
| Details | |
| First monarch | Ojugbelu Arere |
| Residence | Owo KingdomOndo State,southwesternNigeria |
| Part ofa series on |
| Yorùbá people |
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TheOlowo of Owo is the paramount Yorubaking ofOwo, a city inOndo State, southwesternNigeria, which served as the capital ofYoruba between 1400 and 1600AD.[1][2]Ojugbelu Arere, the first Olowo of Owo, was a direct descendant ofOduduwa, known as thefather of the Yorubas. The current Olowo of Owo is His ImperialMajesty, Alayeluwa,Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III,[3] who is also the 32ndparamount ruler ofOwokingdom. The nameOwo meaningRespect, is said to have been derived from the intrigue attitude ofOjugbelu, the firstOlowo of Owo who ruled the kingdom from 1019 to 1070.[4]
Owo is ruled byprinces who are descendants ofOlowo Elewuokun, according toIfá consultations.[5][6] The king is often assisted by appointed chiefs collectively known asEdibo Ologho and along with other chiefs such as the,Sashere,Ojumu Odo,Elerewe Ayida,Ajana Atelukoluko. TheIfapriest of Owo andAkowa loja, who is the head of chiefs in Iloro quarters of Owo also play a significant role.[7][8] According to Owotraditions, the Olowo is appointed by king-makers, known as Omolowo's after which the iloro chiefs under the leadership ofAkowa loja play a crucial role in the king installations.[9] The iloro chief comprises the senior chiefs collectively known asIghare, and the others collectively known as theUgbama.[10] Both groups play a major role during the installation of the appointedOlowo of Owo.