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Tag: Ogbomoso

  • Soun calls on diaspora to return and develop Ogbomoso

    Soun calls on diaspora to return and develop Ogbomoso

    …says ‘there are no more witches in the land’

    The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ghandi Olaoye, has called on sons and daughters of the town to return home and contribute to its development, assuring them that there are no more witches in the land.

    Olaoye made this appeal during a dinner in Abuja on Thursday night, where the logo for the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival was officially unveiled.

    He declared that a new era began, where light had triumphed over darkness.

    He emphasised that God has blessed the Ogbomosos, and it is now time to build a model town that will be the envy of all.

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    The traditional ruler highlighted that the people of Ogbomosho possess two key traits: they are both warriors and entrepreneurs.

    He urged the town’s sons and daughters to awaken from their slumber and transform their town into a thriving city.

     He said: “So we have one town to develop. If we have the mind to work and we all decide that this town will not be like this. And the people that used to say if you go home (Awon aje ko si ni Ognomosho mo) no more witches in Gbomosho again. No more witches. Light has come.

    “Let me say something, light is not the absence of darkness. It is darkness that is the absence of light.

    “So what we have now, we have light in Ogbomosho.  We have spiritual light in the town. And so it’s a new day, it’s a new beginning. And I don’t want anybody to be pessimistic.

    “We might have tried this before. We are in a new dawn. And it is not just getting people excited. It is putting our hands on the plow and not looking back.  It is a work that must be done.

    “That is, in 25 years, we do not want Ogbomosho to be like any other town in the southwest, definitely not also in Nigeria. We want Ogbomosho to be at the forefront, to be the model town. To be used as the town that people will be saying, is your town like Ogbomosho.

    “That’s what we set out to do. And that’s what will happen. I’m saying that that’s what will happen.

    “If you are alive in 25 years, you will remember tonight that, and that king said so. Our town will not be like the neighbouring towns, will not be like any other town. It’s going to be a model town that will be used as a standard of what a city should be.

    “That’s where we’re going. And one of the things I discovered is that one of the most blessed and the indigenes are all over the world.”

    Speaking on the upcoming carnival, scheduled for December 19 to 24, Oba Olaoye said it is part of a larger initiative aimed at developing the town.

    According to him, since ascending the throne of his forefathers, he has outlined a 25-year vision focused on the town’s growth and has established various committees to ensure

    He said: “I have established various committees to oversee the development of our 25-year vision—one that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Our goal is to make Ogbomoso stand out, not just in the southwest but across Nigeria. We aim for it to be a model town, leading in progress and innovation. The carnival is one of the ways we can showcase our culture and bring development to Ogbomoso land.

    “Because we want them to have a reason to come home. And let them come and see that home is not how they used to think about it. Home is not how they left it.

    “But there have been significant changes. And with the right leadership. One thing I’m going to promise every Ogbomoso son and daughter is that I will never make them ashamed of their town. I stand to tell you, I will always make you proud. I won’t be involved in any shady thing. I won’t be involved in anything that will bring down the name of the town.”

    Speaking at the event, a former Special Assistant to the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, and Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Williams Adeleye, stated that Ogbomoso is on its way to becoming a tourist destination, as the carnival will provide an opportunity to showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Oyo acting governor inaugurates ultra-modern market in Ogbomoso

    Oyo acting governor inaugurates ultra-modern market in Ogbomoso

    Oyo State Acting Governor Bayo Lawal has said the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde would rejuvenate market system in urban and rural communities with modern facilities.

    He said the move was part of the administration’s determination to support and promote development, thereby making life more meaningful for residents.

    He challenged local government chairmen to work with one another and cooperate with the state government to secure their domains.

    Lawal said this yesterday at the inauguration of Kajola Ultra-Modern Market in Ogbomoso South Local Government.

    He said with the opening of the market, the economy of Ogbomosoland had been further opened, as the project had been added to other efforts aimed at expanding the economy of the town such as the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and the linking of Ogbomoso and Oke Ogun zones through the 76.67km Adebayo Alao-Akala Highway.

    The market has 120 lock-up shops, 84 open shops, an abattoir, administrative blocks and toilet facilities.

    Noting that Kajola Market was the third market to be built, completed and inaugurated within the five years of the Governor Makinde administration, Lawal noted that the government remained committed to taking residents from poverty to prosperity.

    He said: “Under Omituntun 2.0, this is the first inauguration of an ultra-modern market. But this is actually the third ultra-modern market this administration is inaugurating. The first one was built in Akinyele Local Government. The second one was Akesan Market in Oyo. Those ones were under Omituntun 1.0. The third market being inaugurated here is Kajola Market in Ijeruland under Omituntun 2.0.

    ‘‘You know our environment is replete with archaic markets in several towns. So, as an administration, we are trying to rejuvenate market system in Oyo State.’’

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Ademola Ojo said the construction of the market was aimed at promoting trade and commerce, to boost the development of the state.

    He urged traders and market leaders to maintain the structure and cleanliness of the market, so as to complement the efforts of the government.

    The Chairman, Ogbomoso South Local Government, Mr. Timothy Oyedokun, thanked Governor Makinde for fulfilling his promises and delivering dividends of democracy through the market construction.

    Read Also: Ikosi-Ketu fruit market demolished for proposed N2.8bn ultra-modern complex

    The Onpetu of Ijeru Kingdom, Oba Sunday Oyediran, Lagbami Osekun III, appreciated Governor Makinde for fulfilling his promise to build the ultra-modern market.

    The event was attended by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi and Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni.

    Also in attendance were the co-Chairman, Oyo Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Oyo State Chapter Chairman, Sikiru Sanda and Chairman, Pilgrims Welfare Board, Christian Wing, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo, among other dignitaries.

  • Ogbomoso cradles carnival: C’tte seeks support of traditional rulers, stakeholders

    Ogbomoso cradles carnival: C’tte seeks support of traditional rulers, stakeholders

    The Central Planning Committee, (CPC) of the “Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival” (OCC) have appealed for support of stakeholders and traditional rulers in Ogbomoso zone towards success of the forthcoming program.

    OCC is an initiative of Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege 111 towards enhancing the economic development of the historic city through promotion of cultural heritage and tourism. 

    The committee headed by Prince Williams Adeleye, a communication strategist and former Special Adviser on Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, was inaugurated in April 27, 2024 and their mandate is to emplace a cultural event that will attracts the world to Ogbomosoland.

    Speaking with newsmen at the palace  of Onijabata of Jabata, Oba Mustapha Alade Mafolasere, Adeleye noted that the team has been working assiduously towards actualising a great event.

    He said: “Since the inauguration in April we have been working day and night towards a successful event and from all indications we are optimistic of maximum cooperation and suppport.”

    Read Also: Attention, Oba Ghandi; Soun of Ogbomoso

    “We are already  reaching out to the traditional rulers, in all the five local government area, so far we have been too the palaces of the Oranmiyan of Oko, Alajawa of Ajaawa Onisapa of Isapa, Onilagbedu of Lagbedu  and today we are here in Jabata to inform the monarch of our intentions and his role in mobilizing his subject for the event and we are glad he was happy about and ready to work with us.”

    The monarch of Jabata, Oba Mustapha Alade Mafolasere commended the Soun of Ogbomoso for his genuine interest in promoting  unity and progress in  Ogbomosoland.

    He said: “This cultural festival is a welcome development and i can assure you that we are going to corporate with you in ensuring a successful event.

    “Jabata town is a historical and ancient town that has produced two Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, (Generalissimo) and we have a lot to showcase, we will be actively involved.”

  • Ogbomoso ruling houses knock Chief Imam for alledgelly insulting Soun

    Ogbomoso ruling houses knock Chief Imam for alledgelly insulting Soun

    Five family head (Mogajis) of Soun of Ogbomoso ruling houses have knocked embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Imam Teliat Olushina Ayilara for allegedly insulting the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye consistently. 

    The ruling houses are Aburumaku, Gbagun, Laoye, Bolanta and Odunaro.

    Representatives of these ruling houses include: Prince Lamidi Itabiyi (Mogaji Aburumaku Ruling House); Prince Sikiru Oyelami (Mogaji Gbagun Ruling House); Prince Olawole Olaoye (Mogaji Laoye Ruling House);  Prince Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Rep Bolanta Ruling House) and Prince Ilufoye Olayode (Mogaji Odunaro Ruling House).

    The Ayilara’s family had disowned him over alleged attacks on the Soun, describing him as an impostor, using social media to allegedly blackmail the Soun of Ogbomoso.

    Ruling houses in Ogbomoso at a briefing lamented the consistent attack on Soun by the Chief Imam has polarised Muslim community and the whole of Ogbomosoland.

    Read Also: Ogbomoso: Family disowns Chief Imam over alleged attacks on Soun

    They warned the Chief Imam to desist from further abuse on Soun, saying by abusing the monarch, the Chief Imam was desecrating exalted throne of Soun and by extension people of Ogbomoso. 

    According to them: “Ayilara’s insults against the Kabiyesi are infuriating. We condemn and denounce his impudence and actions. He is warned to stop talking about the Soun; he should sort out his problem with his family as it has nothing to do with our revered Kabiyesi. 

    “He should never mention Soun’s name in the imbroglio again because his utterances are distracting and creating disaffection. Moreover, all the recent appointments he made are null and void, because he never obtained the approval of the Soun in accordance with custom and tradition.

    “For him to have taken Soun to court is sacrilegious! How can you sue someone who installed you? Soun stool has nothing to do with whether you are a Christian or Muslim; it is an institution that transcends such absurdity.

    “We reaffirm the Ogbomoso Central Mosque is the property of Soun, it belongs to the King. We reiterate the Soun ruling houses express disapproval to the impudent acts of the Chief Imam, which is a defilement of the sanctity of the throne of our forefathers. 

    “However, we are constricted by the court cases and we await their verdicts. In the interim, we refuse to be distracted or be drawn into the shenanigans of the Imam and his cohorts, we restate we will not take such from him again.

    “What is the genesis of the problem? The Imam Ayilara family alleged he is not a bonafide member of the family and the Kabiyesi set up different panels to look into it. The recommendation of the different panels is that he steps aside while he sorts out the matter with the family.

    “The Kabiyesi refuses to implement the recommendation after some eminent personalities including Senator Ayo Adeseun and Dr. Saka Balogun, appealed on his behalf that they should be given seven days (which took effect from October 23rd,2023) to make amends. But up till date they never returned. 

    “However, instead of the matter to fade away, it is being exacerbated by the Chief Imam himself, as he refuses to toe the path of peace. Rather, he is promoting lies and more dastardly, he is abusing the Kabiyesi. Not only that, he instituted court cases against the Soun and the Soun-in-Council. This has never happened in the history of Ogbomoso that a Chief Imam will sue Soun to court.

    “Initially, we took it with a pinch of salt that it will fizzle out naturally on the basis that it is a religious matter expected to have the fear of God. We are bewildered and alarmed by the lies being peddled by the Chief Imam on the matter and more importantly, his dragging the Soun, Alayeluwa Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, into the matter and abusing the Kabiyesi. This, we take exception to.”

  • Tension as security agent allegedly kills student, injures two in Ogbomoso

    Tension as security agent allegedly kills student, injures two in Ogbomoso

    There was pandemonium on Tuesday, April 23, in Ogbomoso, following an alleged shooting of a student by an unidentified security agent.

    The Nation gathered that the incident happened at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), where the security agent was said to have opened fire on the student, and also inflicted injuries on two others.

    It was learnt that the security agent was summoned to mediate in a dispute between two individuals within the school premises before the unfortunate incident happened.

    Read Also: Police arrest gun runners in Kaduna

    The officer in an attempt to defuse the situation allegedly discharged rounds into the air, resulting in the fatal shooting of a student and injuries to two others.

    LAUTECH students took to the streets in protest, barricading the school gates and demanding justice for the victim.

    When contacted, the Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso who confirmed the incident, said an investigation is ongoing.

    He said: “Investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided accordingly.”

  • ‘Ogbomoso, not Iseyin, should be Oke-Ogun State capital’  

    ‘Ogbomoso, not Iseyin, should be Oke-Ogun State capital’  

    A group, Ogbomoso Recreation Club (ORC), has tackled the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade federal constituency in Osun State, Wole Oke, over a draft bill for the creation of Oke Ogun State, with its capital in Iseyin.

    He described the move by the lawmaker as an insult to Ogbomoso land.

    It would be recalled that Oke, the chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, proposed a bill to amend the first schedule, part I of the constitution, to create three states, namely Oke-Ogun, Ijebu and Ife-Ijesa.

    A statement by ORC National President, Dr. Akin Oladeji-Johnbrown, said ORC as a social club for sons and daughters of Ogbomosho regarded the proposed bill as lacking in depth and understanding of the political history of Ogbomoso land.

    He said while the intention of the bill might be to give the supposed people of Oke Ogun State economic and political autonomy, such intention should not be blurred with parochial mention of Iseyin as the state capital, instead of Ogbomoso.

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    Oladeji-Johnbrown said: “Inclusion of Ogbomoso in the proposed state is insulting and totally uncalled for. Ogbomoso has always been the capital of Osun Northwest in Old Oyo State and also the largest commercial city with second highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the present Oyo State, with requisite infrastructural facilities for a state capital far ahead of Iseyin town.

    “Ogbomoso as an integral part of Oyo State is even big enough to be considered to stand as an entity on its own. The cultural and political leadership of Ogbomoso is therefore not in doubt. Therefore listing Ogbomoso as a town in the proposed Oke Ogun State is very insulting and uncalled for.

    “This is the initial reaction of ORC to the obnoxious bill as presented, which we believe must have been drafted with weak and insufficient background information.

    “The proposed bill should therefore be thrown to the bin without any further debate. Necessary actions will be taken to ensure that the proposal will not see the light of the day. Ogbomoso can only be state capital if the proposed Oke Ogun State is at all created, but not Iseyin.”

  • Chief Imam sues Soun of Ogbomoso, council over alleged plan to sack him

    Chief Imam sues Soun of Ogbomoso, council over alleged plan to sack him

    The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land, Taliat Ayilara has dragged the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye and the Soun In- Council to court over alleged plans to remove him from office.

    The suit, marked HOG/7/2024 is to be decided at the Oyo State High Court, Ogbomoso Division.

    Recall that the Chief Imam was installed in November 2021 during the reign of the immediate past Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi.

    Ayilara had claimed that the defendants threatened to remove him as the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso.

    Ayilara insisted that the defendants were appointed to rule under the laws and customs of Ogbomoso to the traditional titles they hold and have no power to remove him from office.

    He added that the Central Mosque in Ogbomoso land and other mosques and the administration of the mosques is the responsibility of the Muslim community, headed by the Chief Imam.

    He maintained that the appointment of Imams anywhere in the world is regulated by Islamic rules, adding that the right to appoint a Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land is the prerogative of Muslims in the Ogbomoso community and the appointment is done in accordance with Islamic rules.

    He said the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land is not a chieftaincy or traditional title and as such, is not subject to the control or supervision of the traditional council.

    He then urged the court to stop the defendants from removing him from the office.

    Ayilara said: “I say that the central mosque in Ogbomoso land and other mosques and the administration of the mosques is bestowed on the Muslim community headed by Imam, Chief Imam or Grand Chief Imam which I am one. I know that the appointment of an Imam anywhere in the world is regulated by Islamic rules and tenets as it is not a chieftaincy or hereditary title.

    “I also say that the right to appoint Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land is the prerogative of Muslims in the Ogbomoso community and the appointment is done under Islamic rules. I know that based on settled Islamic rules, the Imam is appointed by the entire Muslim members of the community through a committee called the Surah Committee.

    “The Surah Committee is a screening committee constituted by Muslim elders/leaders in the Muslim community to make decisions on Muslim affairs which include the appointment of Imams.

    “Following the demise of the immediate past Grand Imam of Ogbomoso land, Sheikh Al Aman Yekeen Adegboyega Asafa, sometime in October 2021, the need to appoint a new Grand Chief Imam for Ogbomoso land arose and I was considered suitable for the position of Chief Grand Imam of Ogbomoso land after a screening exercise conducted by Surah Committee led by Alhaji Alimi Surajudeen, the Parakoyi Adini of Ogbomoso land.

    “I was appointed the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land in November 2021 and since then, I have been discharging my responsibilities as Grand Chief Imam under Islamic rules and tenets.

    “However, the defendants, particularly the 1″ Defendant who is a Christian, sometime in January 2024, a few months after his installation as the new paramount ruler of Ogbomoso land, threatened to remove me as the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land.

    “That the threat of my removal became more pronounced when 1 approached the Honourable Court to restrain the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State from removing or suspending me as the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land and an interim order was granted to that effect.”

  • Ogbomoso residents storm Soun’s palace, protest invasion of farmlands

    Ogbomoso residents storm Soun’s palace, protest invasion of farmlands

    Some residents of Ogbomoso, including farmers stormed the Palace of Soun of Ogbomosoland to protest invasion of their farmland by suspected herders in Oriire local government area, Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

    According to them, the invasion resulted in the death of innocent farmers while crops worth millions were destroyed. 

    A cleric Evangelist Segun Adegboyega was killed while working on his farmland at Gege village along Ogbomoso-Iseyin road last month.

    The residents, who were disturbed by the trend in their hundreds took the peaceful protest to the palace of Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye at Oja-gbo area.

    They demanded swift intervention of the monarch at putting an end to the killings, maiming and destruction of the crops on their farmlands by the suspected herders.

    They added that they have been deprived access to their farmland.

    They protesters said: “We are tired of the atrocities of these Bororo herdsmen. They destroy our farms, kill our people, machete us, slash off our hands and act as if we are their slaves. 

    “They even rape women in the farm. Now, we can’t go to our farms again and we are hungry.”

    Read Also: Soun visits Olubadan, says Ibadan very strategic in Yorubaland

    The spokesperson for the group, Chief Aremu Ogundare, said they came from three villages of Kedo Arigbeyo, Kedo Salami and Mosunmaje in Orire Local Government Area. 

    Oba Olaoye promised to work with security agents to get justice for the family of the deceased.

    The monarch said: “As your father, I wish to say, this is an ugly situation and it is uncalled for. I have spoken my mind to the Area Commander of Owode Police headquarters, who is here with me and I want to assure you that justice would be served. 

    “I equally sympathise with every one of you, may God continue to watch over you and the entire land of Ogbomoso.”

  • Call Ogbomoso’s Police Monitoring Squad to order

    Call Ogbomoso’s Police Monitoring Squad to order

    • By Abubakar Y Ahmed

    Sir: The activities of the Monitoring Squad of the Nigeria Police, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, are giving the people of the town concerns and the earlier the top brass of the Nigeria Police Force calls them to order the better. Few years ago, Nigeria witnessed anti-SARS’ revolt with concomitant losses of lives and properties. Ogbomoso was not left out of the revolt. The government promptly intervened by disbanding the organization and in its place introduced Monitoring Squad which was expected to be more civil and cautious in its relationship with the public.

    Read Also: Osun APC blasts Aregbesola, says ex-gov dishonoured agreement by Tinubu, Akande

    However, it appears that the Monitoring Squad in Ogbomoso has learnt nothing and forgotten nothing. Instead, it has been behaving to type, extorting money from both the accused and the complainants. The squad office has been turned into a bank of sorts where heavy fines are being paid. The squad takes pride in arresting timber lorries or any vehicle dealing with planks, Okada riders and turning itself into a court of law and imposing stringent fines on their victims including Yahoo boys and girls. They even harass complainants and all phones are collected before complainants can enter their office. This especially is an infringement on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. This is a clarion call on the Nigeria Police to call its squad to order. 

    •Abubakar Y Ahmed,

    Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

  • Why I instituted litigation against Soun of Ogbomoso – Prince Kabir Laoye

    Why I instituted litigation against Soun of Ogbomoso – Prince Kabir Laoye

    One of the contestants to the throne, Prince Kabir Olaoye, has explained why he instituted a court case against Pastor Ghandi Olaoye, who was selected and installed as Soun of Ogbomoso on September 8.

    Olaoye said his decision to embark on the litigation process was driven by deep-seated commitment to the well-being of Ogbomoso and its people.

    According to him,:”It was not solely about contesting the choice of the new Soun, Pastor Ghandi but rather about upholding the principles of fairness and justice in our cherished community. Ogbomoso, with its rich heritage and traditions, deserves a leader who truly embodies the values that have sustained our culture over the centuries.”

    “I firmly believe that the selection process should adhere to the highest standards of transparency and integrity. It is a matter of paramount importance that every aspect of the selection is conducted fairly, ensuring that the most qualified candidate ascends the throne.”

    Prince Olaoye stated that instituting the case was not just a personal endeavour but a pursuit to “safeguard the sanctity of our beloved institution and the integrity of the Soun position.”

    Read Also: Oyo appeals Soun of Ogbomoso’s sack

    He said: “Our community’s history and traditions are deeply rooted in the leadership of the Soun, and this legacy must be preserved for future generations.”

    “Through this legal action, I sought to ensure that the processes and values that have defined Ogbomoso’s leadership for generations are maintained, and that the rights of our people are protected.”

    “In essence, the litigation was a call for justice, a commitment to fairness, and a determination to keep the sanctity of Soun’s throne intact. It was about safeguarding the interests and aspirations of Ogbomoso and its cherished heritage, ensuring that the right leader takes the helm and carries our community’s traditions forward with honour and dignity.”

    Prince Olaoye maintained that he was willing to go all the way to the Supreme Court on the issue.