'Together we will,' Soun says as US pastor, varsity don hail 'excellent vision for new Ogbomoso'

‘Together we will,’ Soun says as US pastor, varsity don hail ‘excellent vision for new Ogbomoso’

Femi OGUNLANA

An Ogbomoso-born, United States-based cleric, Pastor Elijah Akano, and a don at the University of Uyo (UniUyo), Akwa Ibom state, Architect Dr Abimbola Oke (FNIA), have praised the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, for what was described as his “excellent vision towards building a new Ogbomoso city.”

The duo who was in company with Pa Abraham Oke (father of Dr Abimbola/father-in-law of Pastor Akano) and Mr. Femi Ogunlana (publisher of Ogbomoso Insight, a cousin) made the observation recently during a courtesy visit to the Oba in his palace.

Pastor Akano, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory House, New York, represented by his wife, Pastor Faith Adebimpe Akano (nee Oke), said he knew the monarch from the United States where he was affectionately known as “Pastor G” (Pastor Ghandi) and pastoring at Jesus House DC Washington DC.

Pastor Akano affirmed he had always been proud of Oba Ghandi as a prince and pastor and that he is prouder of his achievements since ascending the throne of his forefathers, wishing him greater successes and greater heights for Ogbomosoland.

“Kabiyesi sir you are a big name in the United States of America as minister-in-charge of RCCG Jesus House Washington DC. We have always been proud of Your Majesty and as Oba you have made greater achievements which makes us prouder. Your vision to transform Ogbomoso into a modern city is well noted and highly appreciated. Kabiyesi, you are unrelentingly driven by an excellent vision to transform Ogbomoso city. May you succeed in making Ogbomoso a modern, adorable city. May our blessed city attain greater heights in Jesus name.”

On his own, Dr Oke, who is currently the Ag. Director of the Directorate of Physical Planning and Development, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom state (on leave of absence at the UniUyo), noted, “Kabiyesi, I have been watching you very closely from a distance right from the inception of your reign, and I must say that I am proud of you.

“I am particularly impressed by your excellent vision towards building a new Ogbomoso city. It is inspiring. We will continue to pray for you for protection and for Your Majesty’s ardent dream and vision for Ogbomoso to come to reality. The wherewithal needed God will provide. It is what we all long for,” while expressing commitment to serve the Oba and the community in whatever capacity he might be needed, “I am ready to avail you sir and the community of my expertises especially in architectural designs and physical planning. I am ready to serve.”

In response, the Soun thanked them, their father, Pa Abraham Oke, and Mr. Femi Ogunlana, for recognising his efforts and for their pledge of support, assuring, “We will certainly build the new city of our dream. Where there is vision there is a way. We will remain undeterred. We will remain hopeful. Thank you for the visit. It reassures us we are not alone. Together we will.”

An Eagle sculpture and other gifts were subsequently presented to the monarch.

It is worth recalling that the patriarch of the Okes, Oba Emmanuel Ayinla Oke of Oguro Olokuta ruling house, was Ologuro of Oguro Ogbomoso South local government, between 1975:and 1988.