Five takeaways from Oba Ghandi’s historical visit to Jos (Photos)
Femi OGUNLANA
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The Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III earlier in the week paid a historical visit to Jos the capital of Plateau state to meet with the Gwon Jos and his cabinet and also with the Ogbomoso indigenes and indeed the Yoruba inhabitants in the state. The visit evoked enthusiasm and excitement.
ogbomosoinsightonline.com looks at five takeaways from the visit:
- The meeting deepens the relationship Ogbomoso has with Jos. Ogbomoso people are predominant among the non-northerners inhabiting Jos and have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the famed Tin City, economically and what have you. The images of prominent personalities like late business tycoon, Chief Lagbemiro, late Soun Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III JP, CON, CFR, Chief Onigbinde and so on loom large in the city. The courtesy visit to the paramount ruler of Jos, HRM Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwon Jos, is significant as it will pave the way for further exploration of collaboration between the two historical cities. Recall late Soun Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III was installed as Chancellor, Plateau State University and was conferred with the honorary doctorate award of the university.
Soun with Gbon Gwon Jos - Investment prospect in Ogbomoso: Oba Ghandi Olaoye is a prominent proponent of direct investment in Ogbomoso especially by indigenes in the diaspora, so as to boost its economy, thus, the Jos visit provided a platform to emphasize the drive. Sources at the meeting informed ogbomosoinsightonline.com that the Oba passionately charged the attendees to “think home, look home, develop home.”
- Remove your fear over land grabbers’ wahala: Having identified the problem often posed by land owners some of whom have a penchant for selling lands to multiple persons thereby igniting crises, the Oba assured this problem will be removed. Such development is a limiting factor to investment at home and in non-residents having confidence associating with their homeland, But Oba Ghandi has assured that “such a thing has become a thing of the past. If you are faced with such a problem, let me know,” his majesty reportedly remarked.
- The visit has provoked “holy jealousy” in Kaduna, Kafanchan and other major cities in the north with a large congregation of Ogbomosos: One thing with the seek-out is that indigenes of Ogbomoso in some major cities are now buoyed and enthusiastic to also receive the monarch. This is a good turn of event and a good omen, as with time, it is believed this will elicit renewed interest in them in their homeland as well as a competitive spirit as to which of them can contribute most significantly to its development.
- White horse gift symbolizes power, strength, victory, transformation, cleansing, suppression of evil etc: White horse is significant in many cultures across the world. The presentation of a white horse to the Soun is therefore a conveyance of good fortune from the thousands of indigenes in Jos to the hardworking monarch.
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Read Soun’s account of the visit, sourced from his Facebook page
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm and gracious reception I received at the airport. The massive turnout of Ogbomoso indigenes and well-wishers was truly overwhelming and serves as a powerful testament to their unwavering love, unity, and sense of community.
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“During my courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos, I conveyed my deep respect and admiration for the esteemed king and the people of Jos. I highlighted the importance of fostering unity among Ogbomoso sons and daughters, no matter where they reside, and reaffirmed my commitment to maintaining a strong connection with them. I pledged to make regular visits to Jos and other communities where Ogbomoso indigenes live, underscoring my dedication to their welfare and collective progress.
“I offered prayers for the prosperity, peace, and unity of Ogbomoso people in Jos and beyond, assuring them of my unwavering love and steadfast support. Furthermore, I shared my vision for the developmental transformation of Ogbomoso over the next 25 years, urging all indigenes to collaborate and contribute to this ambitious and achievable dream.
“I remain deeply grateful for the exceptional love, hospitality, and encouragement extended to me by everyone in Jos, which has left an indelible mark on my heart. Together, I believe we can build a stronger and more prosperous future for Ogbomosoland.”
– His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, The Soun of Ogbomosoland
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