ABEOKUTA – The Owu Kingdom is in mourning as Alhaja Aliratu Adunni Matemilola, the mother of His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, has passed away at the age of 81. She died following a brief illness.
In an official statement, Chief Dr. Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, Orunto of Owu Kingdom, conveyed the community’s grief: “The Owu people all over the world extend their deepest condolences to HRM Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola on the passing of his beloved mother and the matriarch of the Bolaji family.”
Alhaja Matemilola was born in 1943 in Abiola Village, Abeokuta. She was the daughter of Chief Kasali Bolaji Abiola of Ago-Ika, Gbagura, and Mrs. Raliat Bolaji of Labuta Compound, Oke Egunya, Owu. Her lineage is notable, with her father serving as the third Baale of Abiola Village, a community founded by his father, Chief Abiola, in the mid-1800s after the Egba United Forces defeated the Dahomey forces.
Known for her kindness, integrity, and strength, Alhaja Matemilola was a successful trader and a devoted mother, wife, and community figure. “She was a shining example of compassion and truthfulness, inspiring all who knew her,” Chief Lasile added in tribute.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members.
“May Allah grant her eternal peace and admit her into Aljannah Firdaus,” the statement concluded.
