Agbabu Bitumen : Odigbo National Association warns Senator Jimoh Ibrahim on disrupting peace between Odigbo and Ode-Aye Community
THE NEED TO CURTAIL AN ACT OF IMPERSONATION CAPABLE OF DISRUPTING PEACE & TRANQUILITY AMONG THE ODIGBOS AND THE ODE-AYES
● Senator Jimoh Ibrahim & the Halu of Ode Aye should immediately be called to order
The Odigbo National Association(ONA) observes rather disappointingly the continued act of impersonating the Oloja of Agbabu in Odigbo Local Government Area by some individuals from Ode-Aye in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
We are not also unaware that these individuals buoyed by ignorance, took this act of impersonation to a disgraceful height by going to the National Assembly, Abuja, to submit some futile recommendations at the public hearing on the establishment of Bitumen Development Commission held on Thursday, 4 July 2024, a bill sponsored by Sen. Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR, CFR, representing Ondo South Senatorial District.
We also understand that the actions of these individuals namely: Chief Henry Olatujoye, Dr. Segun Ogunleye, Mr. Pius Akinwinle led by one Adegbemiro Akinbuwa may have gotten the nod of Oba Williams Akinlade Akinmusayo, the Halu of Aye Kingdom, according to an online publication by Starnews, dated July 4, 2024, and titled: BITUMEN DC BILL: Ode Aye Representatives Storm Senate Public Hearing – which reads in part: “… we bring you greetings from His Majesty, Oba Williams Akinlade Akinmusayo, Uyi Oba 1, the Halu of Aye Kingdom of Lapoki/Halu Dynasty. The Kabiesi is the paramount ruler of the kingdom with more than two hundred(200) towns and villages among which are: Ode Aye, Lafe, Agbabu…..”
However, we as a body with the consent of H.R.M Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade (FCNA, FCPA), the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom, on whose domain Agbabu is located in Constituency 1 of Odigbo Local Government, area of Ondo State wish to place on record the following categorical statements as a matter of necessity:
1. That the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is binding on every citizen of the country still recognises Agbabu as a community under Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State as of today.
2. That even the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), an institution in Nigeria that conducts elections also corroborates this fact as Agbabu is the first Ward out of the 6 Wards that make up Odigbo Constituency 1.
3. That Chief Festus Akinmulero who succeeded the late Chief Ebunoluwa Akinmulero is the Oloja of Agbabu as installed by H.R.M Oba (Dr) Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade in accordance with the tradition of the land that has been in play since time immemorial.
4.That the Ondo State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, approved the appointment of the Oloja of Agbabu on the recommendation of the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom.
5. That we call on the Ondo State Government led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affair under Alhaji Hamidu Takuro, and other relevant stakeholders in the state to caution the Halu of Aye Kingdom, Oba Williams Akinlade Akinmusayo and his subjects to desist from any act that can truncate the peaceful atmosphere in Odigbo Local Government to avoid a possible communal clash between the people of Agbabu in Odigbo Local Government and their counterparts from Ode Aye in Okitipupa Local Government.
6. As much as we appreciate the remarkable efforts of Sen. Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim OFR, CFR, in ensuring the Bitumen Development Commission Bill sees the light of the day, it is important we remind our Senator to be mindful of his involvement in any traditional/community land dispute, and also be wary of individuals who may want to perpetuate unlawful acts using any form of affinity. If the harmonious relationship we all desire between Odigbo and Ode-Aye must thrive, justice and fairness must be ensured.
As a people, the Odigbos have always lived in harmony with all their neighbours, including the Ode-Ayes. In fact, the Odigbos and the Ode-Ayes share marriages, do businesses together. Ore, the Headquarter of Odigbo Local Government is known today as “Small Lagos” because of the huge number of various ethnic and religious groups that have found solace in the land in one way or the other.
Unfortunately, because we place so much value on harmonious relationship irrespective of religion or tribe, we have found ourselves at the receiving end of people who don’t respect boundaries, who utterly disregard laws and traditions, who believe they can always take what does not belong to them without consequence. But it has to stop. Odigbo will no longer fold its hand to trespassers. Any form of usurpation and impersonation will be vehemently restricted.
Signed:
High Chief Kokumo Funmilayo,
Lisa Lobun of Odigbo Kingdom & President Odigbo National Association (ONA).
