Ogbomosoland Consultative Council, OCC, has described the death of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Professor Alex Gboyega, Professor Taibat Danmole (Nee Oyewumi) as a collective loss that has a profound psychological impact on the people of Ogbomoso.
The non-political body of prominent Ogbomoso Indigenes constituted by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi said this in a condolence message during a visits to the family of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.
In a message read by Dr Saka Balogun, one of the group’s coordinators, they commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire Ogbomoso Land and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The non-political group, while urging the deceaseds’ families to be courageous, promised to galvanize its strength, unity and faith in the Almighty to ensure the development and progress of the land.
“Ladies and gentlemen, over the last eight weeks (December 2021 to January 2022) Ogbomosoland experienced unprecedented developments sign posted by the transition of our uncommon traditional ruler who joined his ancestors as well as the loss of some prominent personalities such as (i) Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Professor Alex Gboyega and Professor (Mrs.) Taibat Bolanle Danmole (Nee- Oyewumi). This is our collective loss and the OCC commiserates with their families and the entire populace. May the almighty comfort us all.”
“The message we are sending to all our people, the traditional, religious, community leaders, women and the youths, therefore, is a message of hope, unity, peace, purposeful leadership and progress. In the days and weeks following the transition of our revered Soun, the OCC has stood in the gap for coordination of affairs and consultation, while supporting the Palace Council of Chiefs, the royal family members and ensuring that the peace and security of the community is sustained. The OCC shall continue to play these roles in a most apolitical manner and in the best interest of Ogbomoso”.
While urging Ogbomoso people to always remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant, the OCC reassures every Ogbomoso indigene that there will never be a vacuum in the protection of their interests.
“We also urge our citizens to steadfastly pray for the safety, security and progress of Ogbomoso, the State and the nation. They should also pray for the success of all processes that will eventually produce the next Soun of Ogbomoso. God bless Ogbomosoland, keep us all safe and grant us good health. Amen” he said.
Still shocked on the death of Akala, OCC Public Relations Officer, PRO, Ambassador Akintola Oyateru said Akala still chaired a virtual meeting on the Monday preceding his death where he assigned roles on the befitting funeral plans for the late Soun of Ogbomoso land.
He identified the deceased as a man who was keen about Ogbomoso, in interest and perspectives, saying he was unashamedly passionately in love with his ancestral home.
Adedayo Adelowo