Odeleye Adisa; Olowu of Owu. Odeleye assumed traditional authority of Owu in 1993, bringing glamour and his urbane attribute to the throne. His ten years as monarch featured also a conflict with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede on the historical significance of their respective offices, which was joined by other Egba monarchs; Agura of Gbagura, Oba Alilu Laluko and the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho.
Adisa Olawale Odeleye was born on September 24, 1938 in Abeokuta. He was educated at the Eko Boys High School, Lagos between 1953 and 1957. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between 1958 and 1963 where he bagged a B.Sc in Architecture. He later proceeded to McGill University, Montreal, Canada between 1964 and 1966 and University of Sydney, Australia from 1968 to 1972.
Odeleye was appointed architect, Lagos Environmental Development Board, Lagos between 1963 and 1966; senior architect, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, 1973 to 1974; deputy chief architect (LSDPC) 1974 to 1975; senior partner Enplar Nigeria 1975 to 1978; before establishing his own architectural firm; Odeleye Associates (Architects and planning consultants) since 1975. He was appointed African regional representatives; Commonwealth Board of Architectural Education 1978 to 1985; vice president, Commonwealth Association of Architects 1985 to 1989. He was a member royal Institute of British Architects, fellow, Royal Australian Institute of Architects; a fellow and past president of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
Odeleye was hailed at his demise in 2003 as a great leader and intellectual who was a rallying point for his people in the 19 Owu towns of Ogun state. The Balogun of his domain, President Obasanjo who was supposed to take over his authority according to tradition passed the role on to the Otun of Owu, Chief Ola Yusuf with the permission of the head of the kingmakers.[i]
[i] The Week July 7, 2003
