Oke-Ogun tackles Alaafin, seeks respect for zone
The people of Oke-Ogun region in Oyo State under the aegis of Oke Ogun Development Council (ODC) have advised the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi not to drag the traditional rulers of the region and indeed its people into a needless feud with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The ODC, which is the umbrella body of all socio-cultural associations, clubs, professional groups and organizations, as well as all sons and daughters of Oke-Ogun, also told the foremost monarch that the traditional rulers of the area are not his serfs.
In a letter signed by Mr. Leke Adelere for ODC to Oba Adeyemi titled: ‘Leave the Obas and People of Oke-Ogun Alone,’ the body said if the Alaafin of Oyo wants fraternal support from the region, such cannot be earned by intimidation and harassment of the obas and people of Oke-Ogun.
The ODC’s reaction is coming on the heels of a letter, reference No. APO.13/Vol.65/3 of 22/2/2016, which the Alaafin of Oyo addressed to each and every oba in Oke-Ogun, where he claimed to be promoting ‘unity and coherence’ among the obas in ‘Oyo zone,’ and wherein he stated his objection to the planned solidarity visit to Ooni of Ile-Ife by the Oke-Ogun obas without his (Alaafin) approval and consent.
The group frowned at the insinuation by Oba Adeyemi in his letter that the planned visit to the Ooni of Ife, was at the instance of some Oke Ogun prominent indigenes, whom he described as enemies of Governor Ajimobi.
While the ODC denounced the Alaafin’s letter as insulting and “totally devoid of expected royal temperament and nuances,” it also said, “the letter reeks of utter contempt of Your Royal Highness for the obas and the entire people of Oke-Ogun and also an attempt to malign and destroy some Oke Ogun prominent indigenes through wicked and false allegation.
The ODC also dismissed the claim by the Alaafin that he cares about the overall development of Oke-Ogun zone as ‘false and bogus.’The group further challenged the Alaafin to point to any development that has come to the area through his intervention, adding that: “The concept of development in Oyo Zone by Your Royal Highness begins and ends with Oyo township. All federal and state institutions are located in Oyo town.”
The ODC maintained that Oke-Ogun obas had in the past paid similar solidarity visits to their brother obas outside Oyo State without any furore, wondering why the planned visit to Ife should be different.
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