Soun reassures on transformation of Ogbomoso as he commissions Itabiyi Mall

Soun reassures on transformation of Ogbomoso as he commissions Itabiyi Mall

Khalid ABRAHAM

The Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III has reiterated that the vision to make Ogbomoso a model city is very much on course.

Oba Olaoye gave this reassurance Saturday at the commissioning of the remodeled ancient Oja’gbo Market now renamed “Itabiyi Ruling House Market.” The renaming is not unconnected with the location of the market on the land of the Itabiyi Royal Family.

Chairman Ogbomoso North local government Hon George Ogunlade at the event

The market founded centuries ago in a dense forest (Igbo-Igbale), from where it derived its name – Market in Igbo-Igbale (Oja Igbo), was a community development project the new Balogun of Ogbomosoland High Chief Dr Saka Adegbite Balogun was obligated to execute by the Soun in commemoration of his chieftaincy conferment.

Oba Olaoye upon ascending the throne of his forefathers instituted a new chieftaincy model that would have prospective chieftaincy titles appointees undertake chieftaincy projects for the benefit of the community rather than the monarch just receiving gratifications.

Project executor High Chief Dr Saka Balogun

Mogaji Aburumaku Ruling House Mogaji Olawuyi Itabiyi (white agbada with red cap)

The model is already in full swing as three other projects on this basis are under construction across Ogbomoso North and South.

“We will build many like this,” Soun said. “One is ongoing at Aarada Market. If we are going to become a model city, a prerequisite condition is for traders to have descent places to sell their wares, not in haphazard, makeshift shops. There will be others like this.”

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The co-chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas added that the markets would have basic amenities especially water, toilet and light.

“Here, we have toilet, borehole and light. All our projects whether Ogbomoso North or South must have these three amenities – good water system (borehole), toilet and solar light. Water is essential because even if someone did not eat he must drink water.

“That is why water is the first project we embarked on when l first came. We spent over ₦80m on water resuscitation project but at the finishing point, it is regrettable some wicked people, saboteurs, who will receive their due recompense went there to vandalize the cables. But l am of the view that they are senseless, is it Soun they have hurt or the inhabitants? I have borehole at my residence, l don’t need water, l did the community water project not because of myself but because of our town. That is why l believe the perpetrators are not true indigenes of Ogbomoso.”

He further disclosed thirty boreholes have already been completed and that another fifty are in the pipeline.

The Oba meanwhile informed that the new market stalls and shops which are about forty won’t be free, ‘We would take rent. This is to pool money for maintenance and build other markets like this in other locations. I have discussed it with the council chairman Hon George Ogunlade. The fund accruing would be disbursed among the local government, the Itabiyi Royal Family and the Palace. Government will not build markets for us we have to undertake the project ourselves. We want this place to retain this lustre and decency, we don’t want it to degenerate and fall into disrepute. In five years time, in ten years we want it to retain this form.”

He stressed it would be given to a consultant to manage and ensure adequate maintenance however assuring the former occupiers would be given preference in giving out the shops.

Mogajis of Gbagun and Bolanta Ruling Houses, Sikiru Oyeyiola Oyelami (right) and Samuel Oyebamiji Oyedeji

Recall this is the second project the Oba would commission this year. A week earlier he commissioned a police post at Abepe area in Ogbomoso South local government, which he also facilitated. He has assured many projects like these would get off the ground as the months roll by.

“Whatever the mind perceives and believes can be achieved; gradually, through isolated projects the city would be refurbished.”