Members of an indigenous association, Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye, have advised the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, against his decision to dissolve the group, saying that it is an independent organisation established with its own constitution with no individual having any rights over it.
In a statement jointly signed by the association’s acting Chairman, General Secretary, and the National Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Iliasu Jamiu, Mrs Janet Akintoyinbo, and Comrade T.M. Balogun respectively, Ogbomoso Parapo members said that the idea of even thinking of dissolving the group at a time they were mourning the National President, Hon Justice Afolabi Aremu Adeniran (rtd), is out of place.
However, they said that the rejection of the dissolution does not undermine the respect they have for Oba Olaoye, who is the grand patron of the association, and all the royal fathers in the five Local Government Areas surrounding Ogbomoso land who are also patrons.
Part of the statement read: “We sincerely appeal to all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to remain calm, peaceful, and law abiding as Ogbomoso Parapo remains steadfast in its commitment to unity, progress and development of Ogbomosoland.
“This statement is not in any way an act of disrespect to the throne of our highly revered Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland who earlier announced the dissolution of the organisation. Rather, it is a clear explanation that Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye is an independent organisation, established with its own constitution. Therefore, no individual holds the monopoly of power to dissolve it.
“Furthermore, the dissolution is coming at the time of mourning our National, President, Hon Justice Afolabi Aremu Adeniran Rtd. It (the dissolution) is therefore ill-timed and against the spirit of Omoluabi that Ogbomoso people are noted for.
“We once again appeal to all sons and daughters, home and in the diaspora to remain focused, united and active in ensuring the noble legacy of our founding fathers and mothers continue to endure for generations to come.”
