Aare Alawo Ekun Ofiki of Ofiki Land and Organizing Secretary Oke Ogun Obas Forum, HRH Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola II, JP has described a statement credited to Ogbomoso Recreation Club on the creation of Oke Ogun state as mischievous.
The traditional ruler in ATISBO local government area of Oyo state, in a statement, on Monday, urged members of the club to refrain from any act that can jeopardize the mutual relationship between Ogbomoso and Oke Ogun.
Recall that Hon. Wole Oke, Chairman of House Committee on Judiciary, and a member representing Obokun/Oriade federal constituency, Osun state presented a draft bill for the creation of Oke Ogun state to the House of Representatives.
But Ogbomoso Recreation Club in a statement signed by its President, Dr Akin Oladeji-Johnbrown, said the proposed bill lacks in depth and understanding of the political history of Ogbomoso land nay Oyo State.
The club added that listing Ogbomoso as a town in the proposed Oke Ogun State is very insulting and uncalled for.
A statement by the monarch read in full: “Following the trending news on the banter of the Recreation Club of Ogbomoso about the bill proposing the creation of Okeogun State came as a rude shock to me and every other right thinking progressive individual.
“Whereas, the statement was not accidentally issued but intentional considering the analysis of the club. It is just a pity that such a mischievous statement would be issued against the good land and people of Okeogun who have been the great benefactor of Ogbomoso via Oyo north senatorial district.
“Considering the geographical setting, Land mass, population, resources and number of local governments, and human resources, Okeogun stands the best chance to have a State of her own. We as citizens of this great nation and united indigents of Okeogun are grateful to the sponsor of the Bill and the National Assembly.
“Any calculated attempt to scuttle the process would not only strain the nostalgic relationship with Ogbomoso but totally scuttle the political network you have enjoyed in the past. However, the reckless statement has awakened the sensitivity of the people of Okeogun.
“In as much as Okeogun is not against Ogbomoso growth, I admonish the club and anyone thinking in the direction of the club to refrain from such insults on our land and her growth. We have great regard and share mutual relationships with the traditional rulers of Ogbomoso, Ile Igbon, Ijeru, Ajawa and other towns in the axis which must be jealously protected.
“I hereby wish to encourage all great sons and daughters, friends and lovers of Okeogun to arise and rally round this proposal for the betterment of our land and people.”
