Oba Makama Bags Grand Royal Cultural Icon Award at Osun NUJ Press Week

Monarch Strengthens Royal Ties With Akire of Ikire, Hosts C&S Church Delegation

The Olowu of Owu Kuta, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, has been honoured with the prestigious Grand Royal Cultural Icon award by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) during its Cultural Day and Award Presentation held in Osogbo on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The award recognises the significance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and traditions, with the revered monarch serving as the Royal Father of the Day at the event, which formed part of activities lined up for the NUJ Press Week.

Oba Makama’s participation in the programme highlighted the important role traditional institutions play in promoting cultural awareness, protecting indigenous heritage and ensuring that cherished customs remain relevant to younger generations.

Monarch Visits Akire of Ikire
Earlier in the day, the Olowu of Owu Kuta paid a courtesy visit to the Akire of Ikireland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Olanrewaju Aketula, in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.

The visit provided an opportunity for both traditional rulers to strengthen their existing relationship and reaffirm the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between their respective royal institutions.

Describing the encounter as a warm royal fraternity, Oba Makama expressed satisfaction with the engagement and prayed for the continued reign of the Akire on the throne of his forebears.

The visit further underscored the importance of cooperation among traditional rulers in sustaining Yoruba cultural values, fostering unity and promoting peaceful coexistence within their communities.

NUJ Celebrates Cultural Heritage
At the NUJ Press Week programme in Osogbo, the Olowu of Owu Kuta joined journalists and other stakeholders for the Cultural Day and Award Presentation, one of the major activities scheduled for the week-long celebration.

The monarch was presented with the Grand Royal Cultural Icon award, an honour that placed the spotlight on the relationship between traditional leadership, cultural preservation and public engagement.

Lectures delivered at the event focused on the preservation of culture and tradition, drawing attention to the need for individuals, institutions and communities to safeguard their historical identity and pass indigenous knowledge to future generations.

The programme also provided an avenue for journalists and cultural stakeholders to reflect on the responsibility of the media in documenting traditional practices, promoting cultural consciousness and ensuring that Nigeria’s diverse heritage receives appropriate attention.

Oba Makama’s presence as Royal Father of the Day added a traditional institution’s perspective to the discussions, particularly on the place of royal fathers in preserving customs and values in a rapidly changing society.

Olowu Receives C&S Church Delegation
Rounding off his engagements for the day, the Olowu of Owu Kuta received the founder and delegation of Spring of Joy C&S Church, Oyo town, led by Primate and Reverend Mother Joseph Ogundele, JP.

The visit brought together the traditional institution and representatives of the religious community in an atmosphere of fellowship and goodwill.

Following the engagement, the monarch offered prayers for God’s continued strength upon the church leadership and the ministry, expressing goodwill towards their religious mission.

The reception formed the final part of the monarch’s engagements on a day marked by royal diplomacy, cultural recognition and religious fellowship.

Royalty as Service to Humanity
The three engagements reflected different dimensions of Oba Makama’s traditional responsibilities, ranging from strengthening relationships with fellow monarchs to supporting cultural preservation and maintaining cordial relations with religious institutions.

His message, “Royalty is natural service to mankind,” encapsulates the philosophy of service and responsibility associated with traditional leadership.

The day’s activities also highlighted the continuing relevance of traditional rulers in promoting cultural identity, community relations and peaceful coexistence across Osun State and beyond.

For the Olowu of Owu Kuta, the recognition by the NUJ and his engagements with the Akire of Ikireland and Spring of Joy C&S Church represented a day of meaningful interactions built around culture, unity and service to humanity.