• Cautions against violent protest

The Olowu of Owu in kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola has advocated the return of the ‘School Feeding’ programme introduced during the regime of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Monarch highlighted the impact of the programme on the enrolment of school children, especially in his kingdom.

Oba Matemilola explained how he was recently shocked to discover some children in his neighbourhood who didn't go to school because they couldn't find something to eat.

Oba Matemilola disclosed this at a briefing held at his Ago-Oke Owu Palace, Abeokuta to herald his second year coronation anniversary and 60th birthday celebrations.

He said "I later invited these kids about five or six of them and their parents to my house on a Sunday, and as at 1pm these children told me that they have not eaten".

The royal father said that this is why Solace Foundation, his initiative is partnering with another Non Government Organisation; Kids will be kids, to provide a meal per day for some primary school children in the community.

According to him, the programme will begin within the next three month.

The first class traditional ruler also warned against destructive protest during when the insufficient infrastructure in the country are often destroyed and vandalised.

Oba Matemilola said that, though, it is the constitutional right of the people to protest but such liberty should not be taken as a garb to let hell lose and go on wanton destruction of properties.

The royal father said that rather than protesting, the people should found a way to engage constructively with the authorities to iron out their grievances.

Oba Matemilola said "protest is something that has been with humanity from time immemorial. However the most important thing is how do you do it in a way that it communicate what you are trying to do without being destructive and violent?

"You said you want to protest which is your right and that of everyone to do under the constitution but how do you do it without trampling on other people's rights or that you don't destroy things that are not even sufficient.

"About two days ago, I was watching a video of some students of Federal College of Education, Akoka going on rampage, destroying properties in the name of protest, how does that solve the problem you are complaining about?

"That is the issue at stake, it’s not just about we want this, we don't want this, it's about engaging constructively and register your protest in a way that the authority or those who supposed to take action will understand and take action.

"It behooves on the organisers to ensure that the protest is done peacefully, it is not destructive, disruptive, and it does not cause mayhem and destroy what is never sufficient".

Oba Matemilola listed his achievements in office within the last two years to include payment of WAEC and JAMB examination fees for over 60 students, provided solar streets for the Owu kingdom, improve access to potable water with over 10 boreholes, empowered over several people among others.

The royal father thanked the people of Owu Kingdom for their support and cooperation saying that their solid rock support has helped to advance the socioeconomic development of the kingdom.

Highlight of the 2nd year coronation anniversary and 60th birthday include Afree medical service, symposium, football competition among others.