Fresh tension has emerged in Ogbomosoland following the recent announcement by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, dissolving the Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye.
In a swift reaction, the leadership of the organisation has rejected the move, insisting that the group remains an independent body governed by its own constitution.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade T. M. Balogun, National PRO; Alhaji Iliasu Jamiu, Acting Chairman of the Home Zone; and Mrs. Akintoyinbo Janet, General Secretary of the Home Zone, the association expressed its continued loyalty to the monarch but maintained that no single individual has the authority to dissolve it.
“The written constitution of Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye clearly establishes the foundation of our organisation,” the statement read.
“With utmost respect to all our Kabiyesis, the Constitution recognises His Imperial Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, as the Grand Patron and all Royal Majesties in the five local governments of Ogbomosoland as Patrons of the association.”
The group emphasised that its position was not in defiance of Oba Olaoye’s authority but a constitutional clarification.
“This statement is not in any way an act of disrespect to the throne of our highly revered Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye,” the Group explained.
“Rather, it is a clear explanation that Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye is an independent organisation, established with its own constitution, and therefore no individual holds the monopoly of power to dissolve it.”
The leaders further argued that the timing of the dissolution was insensitive, coming so soon after the death of the association’s National President, Hon. Justice Afolabi Aremu Adeniran (Rtd).
“The dissolution is coming at the time of mourning the demise of our National President. It is therefore ill-timed and against the spirit of Omoluabi that Ogbomosos are noted for,” they stressed.
Appealing for calm among the people, the association called on all indigenes, both at home and abroad, to remain united and law-abiding while upholding the values of the organisation.
“We once again appeal to all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to remain focused, united and active in ensuring the noble legacy of our founding fathers and mothers continues to endure for generations to come,” the statement concluded.
The Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye, which prides itself on being the umbrella socio-cultural group for indigenes of the town worldwide, reaffirmed its mission to promote unity, peace, and development across Ogbomosoland despite the latest development.
