OGBOMOSO:Tumultuous crowd endorses inauguration of new apex organisation OSDU

OGBOMOSO: Tumultuous crowd endorses inauguration of new apex organisation OSDU

Femi OGUNLANA

A new umbrella socio-cultural organisation has been birthed in Ogbomosoland, the second largest city in Oyo state. It is named “Central Council for Ogbomosoland Sons and Daughters Universal” whose shortened form is Ogbomosoland Sons and Daughters Universal (OSDU).

This was announced Tuesday by the traditional ruler of the town His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III the Soun of Ogbomosoland declaring that the need for the new apex body has become imperative in order to achieve stability and a more accelerated development of Ogbomosoland.

The pioneer interim president of OSDU is Professor Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN), a former Commissioner for Justice in Oyo state. Other executive committee members are Alhaji Sarumi (vice president), Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd) (general secretary), Alhaji Alimi Sarumi (assistant general secretary), Engr Rabiu Bello and Judge Funmi Ashaolu.

Other members are Alhaji Mulikat Usman, Alhaji Quazeem Olaosebikan, Mr. Banji Ojo, Prof Thomas Oyelami, Prince Azeez Oladiran and Engr Ogunwole.

Soun vouched, “These are people of integrity and who are passionate about Ogbomosoland.”

The Oba said the exco will be dubbed “Transition Committee,” with a two-year tenure, stating their mandate include putting up a structure, registration of the club, seeing to registration of affiliate societies and clubs, producing a constitution, conducting elections to elect substantive exco etc. The exco will mandatorily give report of its activities next December.

Soun enjoined all Ogbomosos and societies home and abroad to register with the new umbrella association.

He dismissed questions on Ogbomoso Parapo saying “OSDU is the new direction. So, we want all societies to register with it. We will make a lot of restructuring, focus on developments, this is a purpose-driven organisation, one that’s not divided, this one will follow and act under Soun’s guidance. It keys into our vision.”

The traditional ruler further informed that its constitution will give the Soun power to remove the executive but assured “the Soun will not be reckless and it will follow a process,

and by the grace of God we will be having responsible Souns.”

He declared he had nothing to do with Ogbomoso Parapo again affirming OSDU as the organisation he recognises. “As at today l don’t know anything about Ogbomoso Parapo again. I only know of OSDU, it’s meetings will be held second day of the end of Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, which is December 23.”

He however clarified that everyone has a choice to register with it or not, maintaining, “Don’t force anyone to join. You have the right to be part of it or not. But OSDU is the recognised organisation now. I have nothing to do with Ogbomoso Parapo any longer. After all l never attended their meeting and OSDU is the way the Palace is going. This one will embrace our vision in the Palace.”

He also assured the new organisation would not be elitist in outlook but said it would be led by upright and educated people “in order to achieve our avowed goals of development.”

The meeting attended by over 500 sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland home and diasporas had many pledging allegiance to the Soun and OSDU even as they chorused “We affirm your declaration. We stand by Your Majesty.”