By Sunday Adepoju
The Olowo of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has endorsed a biography authored by a historian and writer, Prince Adewuyi Adegbite, in honour of a foremost Nigerian musician, late Dr Oladipupo Owomoyela (popularly called ‘Orlando Owoh'), for Nigerians across the globe.
Oba Ogunoye made the recommendation at his palace, on Monday, when the author and his team presented the copies of the work to him to mark Orlando Owoh’s 86th posthumous birthday and seek the monarch’s royal blessings for the work.
Begun in 1996, the work, entitled “Orlando Owoh: Life, Times, Music and Messages,” was meant to celebrate the musician’s 50th anniversary on stage in 2008 before he died the same year.
Orlando Owoh died on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.
The monarch, who lauded the efforts of the author, stated that the biographee was an illustrious son and a blessing to Owo Kingdom, Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said, “Owo is the land of culture and tradition and we are delighted for having Dr Orlando Owoh as our son. He was a blessing to us and we know that he will continue to be a blessing to us, considering the impacts of his works. It is unfortunate that he has gone. However, his works live for ever. We are happy that he lived a very useful and impactful life.
“When the name ‘Orlando Owoh’ is mentioned, people usually attach it to Owo because he is ours. We thank God for his life and we believe that people will be interested in reading about him. I know it will draw the curiosity of people who have listened to his works.”
“I wholeheartedly recommend the book for Nigerians generally and globally. We believe that people will gain a lot in reading this book because Orlando Owoh’s a colossus. His music is not only philosophical but also touching. Orlando’s works are appealing. So, I recommend the book for everybody and prayer is that Nigerians would accept it to know more about him and learn.
“I thank the author for bringing this book to life. The benefits will accrue by the Grace of God.”
Speaking with the monarch earlier at the palace, the author noted that the project was borne out of his decision to document Orlando Owoh as a man and musician for posterity, saying that his contributions to nation building cannot be underestimated.
Adewuyi explained, “He was a social critic and pro-democracy activist fighting for social justice. The book was meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Orlando Owoh on stage. But unfortunately, he died the same year. Ten years later, an organisation, ‘Friends of Orlando Owoh’, decided to launch the book here in Owo to mark the 10th anniversary of his transition.
“Alas! A week to the event, the late Olowo of Owo, Oba Victor Folagbade Olaleru Olagbagi III, joined his ancestors. Since then, the event has been put on hold. I, therefore, realise that high time I made the books available to the public in order to serve their purpose.
“I have, therefore, chosen today, February 14, his 86th posthumous birth anniversary, to come here, Kabiesi.”
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