The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola has expressed surprise at the skewed slants introduced in media reports by some newspapers, which made inferences as to an alleged rift between the monarch and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The foremost traditional ruler said despite his detailed explanation that Chief Obasanjo paid him a visit in his palace two days earlier, it was shocking that the issue still became the major focus of reportage in the media.
A media professional, Mr Ayo Arowojolu who spoke on behalf of Oba Matemilola wondered why the headlines in some reports still focused on the “rumoured rift”, in spite of the presence of Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo who represented Obasanjo at the press conference.
Indeed, Mama Obasanjo even made a presentation on food hygiene for almost almost 40 minutes during the press conference which had a coterie of about 20 other Owu Obas and chiefs in attendance.
According to the monarch, Obasanjo was central to his emergence on the throne as he belonged to the council of kingmakers in his capacity as the Balogun of Owu.
It would be recalled that Obasanjo, clad in an ash colour Buba and sokoto, breezed into the palace around 12: 25pm last Tuesday to ascertain the level of preparedness for the Coronation events, even though he had informed the monarch that he already had a scheduled appointment outside the country and as such would not be present.
“The Kabiyesi, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola appreciates the media and holds them very dearly”, Arowojolu said.
