‘Oba Ghandi effect’: PDP chieftain Saka Balogun begins re-construction of market as precondition for chieftaincy
Femi OGUNLANA
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The historic “Forest” Market (Oja Igbo) in Ogbomoso, Oyo state is about to shed its antediluvian outlook for modernity.
The process has begun already as its re-construction has taken off in earnest.
ogbomosoinsightomline.com saw workmen digging the foundation Friday and upon inquiries our correspondent was informed that the project is being undertaken by Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun, a respected community leader, in accordance with the directive of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.
Dr. Balogun, a top leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is borne by an aspiration to occupy the position of the chieftaincy title of Balogun of Ogbomosoland, which is a position filled by his ancestors in the past. The Balogun is a member of the six-man Ogbomoso kingmakers.
He is the top contender or perhaps the sole contender for the prestigious chieftaincy. The position became vacant shortly before the selection of Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
According to a palace source, when the matter came before the Soun, he gave an inkling to break from tradition. His resolve is to saddle prospective chiefs with developmental projects that will benefit the community rather than personally taking money and other materials from them as custom demands.
“Normally, when a new chief is to be installed the traditional ruler that is the consenting authority by custom and tradition is entitled to gifts, it is a custom of appreciation, which may run into millions of naira in worth, depending on the status of the chieftaincy and circumstances,” the source says.
“However, the present Soun is deviating from that practice, instead, the prospective chief will be asked to execute a developmental project that is chosen for him to commemorate the milestone. That is the tradition that has evolved under Oba Orumogege III.”
It was further disclosed this would have taken off with the installation of Araba Oluawo (Chief Opeifa Ifamakinde Alao) but the move was frustrated. He was to re-construct the market stalls in front of the Ogunlola Hall beside the Ogbomoso Central Mosque but the matter became controversial over ownership of the land. “So, Araba Oluawo has not undertaken his own community project,” another source informed.
The Soun asserted in the past that he found the market (Oja’gbo) outdated in terms of stalls and designs and unbefitting, taking cognizance of its central location and important monuments bordering it such as the Soun palace, community hall, central mosque, the defence grove (Ogun ‘O Jalu) and so on.
“Kabiyesi has a vision of enhancing the aesthetic of the city as part of his 25 year – development plan,” it’s submitted.
When contacted on phone, Dr. Saka Balogun confirmed the development affirming tersely, “That is how it is.”
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With this development it appears the logjam surrounding his endorsement and installation as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland has dispersed and coast now getting clearer.
Balogun is said to have long coveted the position even before the ascension of the present Soun. But Oba Ghandi’s predecessor late Oba (Dr) Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III JP CON CFR Ogbomoso Insight learned was not favourably disposed to it thus the process was stalled
However, the octogenarian has always contended that if “it is in my destiny to occupy the position l will.”
His installation is expected to come up later in the year and “Balogun will be Balogun.”
