The Olowo of Owo is the paramount Yoruba king of Owo, a city in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria which was the capital of Yoruba city-state between 1400 and 1600 AD.[1][2]. Ojugbelu, the first Olowo of Owo was the direct descendant of Oduduwa known as the father of the Yorubas. The name Owo meaning Respect in British english was coined from the intrigue attitude of Ojugbelu who was the pioneer Olowo of Owo.[3]
Owo is ruled by heir appointed from three ruling families, the Ogunoye, Ajike and Olateru Olagbegi family according to Ifá consultations[4][5]. The king is often assisted by appointed chiefs collectively known as Edibo Ologho and other chief such as the, Sashere, Ojumu Odo, Elerewe Ayida, Ajana Atelukoluko, the ifa priest of Owo and Akowa loja who is the head of chiefs in Iloro quaters of Owo[6][7]. According to Owo traditions, the Olowo is often appointed by king-makers in which the iloro chiefs under the leadership of Akowa loja play a significant role in the king installations[8]. The iloro chief comprises the senior chiefs collectively known as Ighare and the others collectively known as the Ugbama[9]. Both play a major role during the installation of the appointed Olowo of Owo.