The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, has rejected the N100m pledge by Governor Seyi Makinde for the renovation of the palace saying, however, that the administration should intensify efforts on youth empowerment.
Recall that Governor Makinde pledge to release the said sum for the repair of the palace following its recent attack by some hoodlums who reportedly hijacked the #EndSARS protest in the town recently.
Makinde, during his visit to the monarch, announced that the sum would be released for the repairs and renovation of the “historical monument.”
However, in a letter dated October 19, addressed to the governor, the monarch said the cost of the repairs and renovation of the palace would be borne by a coordinated community effort of Ogbomoso sons and daughters in addition to the sum of N10m released so far by the governor.
The letter reads, “I bring you warm greetings from the Royal Household and the good people of Ogbomosoland and seize the opportunity to thank you for your visit to me and the people of Ogbomoso on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, following a violent attack on Aafin Ogbomoso on Sunday, October 11, 2020 by a misguided group of hoodlums and miscreants under the guise of the ongoing “ENDSARS” Protests.
“I hasten to add that these hoodlums and miscreants are an aberration and not representative of my good and peace-loving people. Allow me to use this medium to express the appreciation of my people and myself for the kind gesture in pledging the sum of N100,000,000 for the cost of the repairs and renovation of the palace from the damages of the attack and an immediate disbursement of the sum of N10,000,000.
“However, subsequent to your visit, and in a gesture truly representative of the good and peace-loving people of Ogbomoso, a coordinated community of Ogbomoso sons and daughters have also taken up the responsibility for the repairs and renovation of their palace and the repair and renovation work has commenced.
“In consequence of this development, and the assessment done, there is no need to disburse the balance of the sum of N90,000,000.00.
“May I reiterate my advice during your visit that avenues and opportunities to engage our teeming youth who are largely unemployed or underemployed be assiduously explored to keep them meaningfully engaged and not idle. I have no doubt in my mind that under your able leadership this will be done.
“With respect to the misguided ones who violated the sacred sanctity of Aafin Ogbomoso, as the father of all, they are forgiven for their mistake and misdeed in the knowledge that they have retraced their steps and mended their ways for the future and will no longer allow themselves to be misguided.
“Once again, my sincere thanks to you for your support and interest in upholding the traditional institution of Oyo State and by extension Yorubaland. May God grant you wisdom and success as you steer the affairs of Oyo State.”
