OPINION: Between history, reality and development of Ogbomosoland
Akintola David AKINJIDE
Dr Akinjide is a researcher, writer and educator from Ogbomoso. He can be reached via akinjide17@gmail.com
Advertisement
Dr Akinjide is a researcher, writer and educator from Ogbomoso. He can be reached via akinjide17@gmail.co
+2348033669857. Opinions expressed in this commentary are entirely his and not of the medium.
History has it that Ogbomoso was founded in the mid-17th century by Ọlábánjọ Ògúnlọlá Ògúndìran and his wife, Esuu, who was of Ibariba descent. It was also recorded that several other warriors were settlers around Ogbomoso as the heads of their respective communities within the south-west pre-colonial Nigeria. There are independent and relational histories to various thrones of these warriors. As time went by, the warriors’ status translated from being a mere warrior to Chiefs and now Kings at respective stages of their reigns. This is in line with the saying that “the only constant thing in life is change”. As development was taking place, historical event/circumstances occurred leading to the nomenclature “Ogbomoso” that became popular and is global now. What an interesting turnaround! Ever since, the city has been relevant ever than before.
Advertisement
Unfortunately, the development of the ancient city of Ogbomoso has been witnessing serious challenges and setbacks due to vices among our highly respected, reverred and great traditional rulers over histories of supremacy of throne that stood tall among other issues. It is a fact that history is the life and heart of people, yet, it should not be used to our disadvantage. There are monarchical histories in the western world and they co-habited without allowing it to affect their development negatively. There are monarchical histories in other parts of south-west Nigeria and the kind of royal struggles heard is not as serious as what is in operation in Ogbomosoland. History has it that traditional rulers were superior to political office holders including governors and used to recommend and even installed them, but reverse is the case now. Also, Abuja was partly thick savannah-forest while several cities were filled up with people within Nigeria. Interestingly, Abuja is now the seat of Nigeria’d president with the status of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where all states must get their source of livelihood for survival. Once again, change is the only constant thing in life.
Advertisement
Going down memory lane, the only religion of the people of Ogbomoso was traditional religion which has been overshadowed by Christianity and Islam (foreign religions) which we are using as a tool to cause disunity and trouble within the land. As a concerned citizen, I am passionately appealing to our most respected traditional rulers amidst their various histories to kindly embrace unity in diversity, develop positive attitudes, mindset and royal cuticles for peace and development of Ogbomosoland. They should build up mutual respects and understanding towards the development of Ogbomosoland. They should collectively see to the security and sustainability of the land. They should work on preventing aliens from milking our resources while the sons and daughters of the land go to bed hungry. They should work on getting every part of Ogbomosoland developed to gain international outlook and not partly city-village look that we have presently. I am also imploring all concerned stakeholders both at home and diaspora to kindly see to enhancing synergies among our traditional rulers in Ogbomosoland. I also appeal to those that fuel traditional tussle among our Kings to please stop for the interest of our dear land. Ogbomosoland will favour us all.
