…… Cautions Osogbo politicians to be mindful of their actions
Osogbo Community Development Initiative, OCDI, has described the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, as a symbol of unity and strength for the Osogbo community.
This is as it called on all indigenes, and none indigenes within and outside Osogboland to respect the position of the Ataoja and accord him the dignity and honor the throne deserves.
The group chairman, Adeniyi Adebayo, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Wednesday.
The statement noted that any act of disrespect towards the Ataoja is an affront to the values, culture, and traditional institution of Osogboland, adding that it was essential to understand that every community has its unique culture, tradition, and way of doing things.
According to the statement: “As an organization, the OCDI recognizes that the Ataoja of Osogboland is not just a traditional ruler, but also a symbol of unity and strength for the Osogbo community.
“He is a bridge between the past, present, and future of Osogboland, and his position must be revered and respected by all. The OCDI calls on all individuals, indigenes, and none indigenes within and outside Osogboland to respect the position of the Ataoja of Osogboland and accord him the dignity and honor that the throne deserves.
“The Ataoja’s position must be upheld, and any act of disrespect towards him is an affront to the values, culture, and traditional institution of Osogboland.
“It is essential to understand that every community has its unique culture, tradition, and way of doing things. Osogbo, like other communities, has its values and customs that must be respected by all its inhabitants”.
The group however said some non-indigenes who had aligned themselves with some leaders of the APC and PDP, were behaving in an unacceptable manner by failing to recognized and respect the town’s values and customs custodian, the Ataoja of Osogbo.
It urged leaders of both parties who are indigenes of Osogbo to mindful of their actions and decisions, saying that they should not give their followers, who are not indigenes of the town, the right to interfere in Osogbo’s internal affairs.
“Unfortunately, some non-indigenes of Osogbo who have aligned themselves with some leaders of the APC and PDP have failed to recognize and respect the town’s values and customs custodian, the Ataoja of Osogbo. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
“The leaders of the APC and PDP who are indigenes of Osogbo must be mindful of their actions and decisions. They must recognize that they have a responsibility to promote the town’s interest and ensure that its values and customs are upheld. They should not give their followers, who are not indigenes of the town, the right to interfere in Osogbo’s internal affairs. Doing so will only escalate the crisis and create a deeper divide between the indigenes and non-indigenes.
“Furthermore, the members of the APC and PDP who are indigenes of Osogbo must cease disrespecting notable indigenes of the town. These notable indigenes have contributed immensely to the development of the town and have earned the respect of its inhabitants. Disrespecting them will only create tension and further deepen the crisis.
We also call on notable indigenes of Osogbo to continue to play their role in promoting peace and harmony in the community. We recognize and respect their contributions to the development of the town.
“In conclusion, as a community, we must come together to resolve any crisis in Osogbo and ensure that our town continues to thrive in peace and harmony. The OCDI remains committed to promoting the development of our community and will continue to work towards ensuring that Osogbo remains a peaceful and prosperous town”, the statement reads.
