Oba Francis Olushola Alao: A noiseless first class monarch with monumental achievements
Alao GBOLAHAN
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Following the transition of his predecessor in 2017, Oba (Dr) Francis Olushola Alao ascended the throne of his forebears as the paramount ruler of Orile – Igbon kingdom which has scores of communities under his domain. As a well learned, brilliant, sophisticated and cosmopolitan monarch with immense connections both within and outside the shores of Nigeria, the revered frontline royal father has a clear understanding on how best his domain can be transformed structurally, socially, economically and even politically. With his immense influence, both within and outside the corridors of power, he knows what the needs of his subjects are and how he can work assiduously to get it for their betterment.
Oba Olushola Alao knew from onset the major challenges of his subjects and how these challenges could be confronted head long. He’s fully prepared. One thing about the respected royal father is that he’s not used to publicizing his lofty achievements. In other words, he’s a monarch that achieves much without media noises. But leadership in the present age entails working hard to get what one’s people need and showcasing these lofty achievements, at least for the sake of history and posterity. It’s on this premise that I chose to discuss some of the monumental developmental projects the monarch has brought to his domain which are feasible to all eyes to see.
As a man who is so passionate about the rapid transformation and development of his kingdom from rural to urban status, the first class royal father has been able to attract captains of industries to his domain for investment which has started to pay off. Some of these include: a standard poultry/animal feed mill, rice processing industry under construction, many cash crops and other agricultural produce warehouses situated along both old and new Ogbomoso- Ilorin express way, automobile show house, amongst others.
Another strategy the monarch has adopted in his giant developmental strides is using his immense connections at the federal level to attract federal establishments and parastatals to his domain. Some of these include: Civil Defense divisional headquarters at Orile-Igbon and Federal Road Safety Corps office also situated at Orile-Igbon. Currently, the proposed building for Civil Defense, Ogbomoso Zonal Command headquarters, meant to serve the entire Ogbomoso zone is under construction and very soon it will be ready for use.
Also, the reconstruction of the already dilapidated High Court and Magistrate Court buildings was singlehandedly financed by the monarch after seeking approval from the state government. The erstwhile dilapidated condition of the two court buildings had led to the relocation of the court sittings to another town also in Suru-Lere local government area before the intervention of the development-thirsty monarch. This has yielded desired result as the court sittings have been returned to the original court premises at Orile-Igbon and judicial activities have fully resumed since January 2025. A visit to Orile-Igbon will fully explain.
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State-owned agencies like Western Nation Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Amotekun security outfit is not left out. It’s to the credit of Kabiyesi that this security agency was established in his domain. This is to enhance the security of lives and property of the people within his domain and other categories of travellers and motorists using the two federal roads within his domain. This has greatly improved the security of lives and property in the area.
Another ongoing gargantuan project nearing completion at Aaga community of Orile-Igbon kingdom is a world-class resort centre. If a blind passes by the place, he will definitely feel the ongoing great project. This will without any doubt boost the socioeconomic lives of the people within the kingdom. The resort centre, upon full completion, will compete favourably with others in Nigeria.
In addition to all these, as another security measure, there’s ongoing installation of solar powered street lights facilitated by Kabiyesi which is currently extending to Ladokun, Aba and Aroje from Orile-Igbon town, headquarters of Orile-Igbon, while other communities, especially those along the federal roads like; Gambari, Abuduka, Gbede, Alate etc are also waiting to benefit from the large heartedness of the workaholic monarch. As at the time of writing this article, work is still in progress with regards to the installations. A drive through Aroje to Orile-Igbon at night will explain this is the one better.
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Another giant stride being recorded by the highly connected monarch is the visit of some civil engineers to some of the roads under Kabiyesi’s domain in December last year. Some critical road networks have been earmarked for construction and re-construction anytime this year. It’s hoped that any moment from now, construction works will begin on the selected roads.
All these aforementioned lofty achievements have attracted people to come for the acquisition of land for residential, commercial and industrial purposes and this is rapidly transforming Orile-Igbon kingdom. In the words of Marcus Tulluis Cicero, “Gratitude is not the greatest of all virtues but the parent of all”. While we appreciate Kabiyesi for these numerous laudable people-oriented projects he has attracted to his domain, using his God -given talents, we pray that the Almighty God grant him peaceful reign, sound health and longevity as he continues to search for the best for his subjects.
Gbolahan Shine-Shine is a senior lecturer, political analyst and social commentator and can be reached on +2348062282905.
