Historic Visit of Kabiyesi, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, to Finland


The Yoruba Community in Finland had the rare privilege of welcoming His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, during his recent visit to Finland in September 2025.

This historic occasion marked the first time our community hosted a sitting Yoruba monarch of such high stature, and it will be remembered as a moment of pride, unity, and cultural affirmation for all Yoruba people living in the diaspora.

Warm Welcome at the Airport

Kabiyesi was warmly received by members of the Yoruba Community in Finland at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Dressed in resplendent Yoruba attire, the delegation presented him with gifts and heartfelt greetings in the Yoruba tradition. The atmosphere was filled with cultural pride, joy, and reverence, as our people chanted “Kabiyesi o!” in honor of our royal father and guest.

Welcoming Kabiyesi at the AIrport After Dinner with Kabiyesi on Arrival to Finland

Success of the Award Programme – Organized by Ceci Educate OY

One of the highlights of Kabiyesi’s visit was his participation in the Award Programme organized by Ceci Educate OY. The event celebrated excellence, community service, and cultural pride, bringing together leaders, professionals, and friends of the Yoruba nation in Finland.

The Kabiyesi Award Presentation The Yoriúba Group presentation

Kabiyesi’s presence elevated the programme, giving it both legitimacy and inspiration. He presented himself not just as a king, but as a father offering blessings, wisdom, and encouragement to all present which is evident in his 20 Minutes Keynote Speech he delivered at the Award Ceremony. 

We deeply appreciate Ceci Educate OY for their initiative and collaboration in organizing such a memorable event that brought honor not only to the Yoruba community in Finland but also to our heritage as a whole.

Meeting with the Yoruba Community

Later, the Yoruba Community had an audience with Kabiyesi, where he offered fatherly counsel, words of encouragement, and royal blessings. He commended the community for preserving Yoruba identity abroad and urged us to remain united in passing our language, values, and culture to the next generation. Also present at the meeting is the chairman and financial secretary of the Nigerian Union in Finland

Olowu of Owu - His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom
Yoruba Community Rep Reps from the NIgerian Association in Finland

Kabiyesi graciously accepted to continue supporting our community and expressed openness to serving as our Royal Ambassador, once the expectations of the role are clearly defined. This is a great honor and a historic step in connecting our diaspora community with the Yoruba traditional institution at home.

Visit to Rovaniemi – Meeting with Father Christmas

In addition to his engagements in Helsinki, Kabiyesi traveled to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) in Finnish Lapland. This symbolic meeting represented the blending of cultures and traditions , Yoruba royalty connecting with one of Finland’s most beloved figures.

Oba Olowu with Father Christmas KIng at Rovaniemi

The visit to Rovaniemi highlighted Finland’s rich heritage of winter folklore while underscoring Yoruba openness to friendship, global exchange, and cultural diplomacy. It was a reminder that respect, joy, and goodwill are values that unite communities across the world.

Why This Visit Matters

For the Yoruba in Finland, Kabiyesi’s visit was more than a cultural gathering, it was a reminder of our unbroken bond with our heritage. It showed that no matter how far we are from home, Yoruba traditions and values continue to guide us.

The visit also strengthened our resolve to:

  • Preserve the Yoruba language and culture for our children.

  • Build stronger ties with Yoruba traditional rulers and institutions in Nigeria.

  • Serve as positive ambassadors of Yoruba heritage in Finland and Europe.

A Blessing for the Future

We are deeply grateful to Kabiyesi, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, for his humility, wisdom, and blessings. His visit has left a lasting impact on the Yoruba Community in Finland, and we look forward to continued collaboration, guidance, and support.

As we say in Yoruba: “Ile la ti n kọ́ ẹṣọ́ r’ode.” (Home is the foundation of strength;)

Kabiyesi o! Àṣẹ o!

With respect and loyalty,
Yoruba Community in Finland