Indigenes of Ikoyi-Ile under the aegis of Ikoyi National Descendants Group have strongly opposed a proposed town hall meeting reportedly scheduled to be held by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, in the town, over his 25-year developmental vision for Ogbomoso land.
In a statement signed by Prince Soliu Ayinde and other representatives of the community, and issued on behalf of Ikoyi-Ile indigenes at home and in the diaspora, the group expressed concern over an electronic flyer circulating on social media, which announced the planned meeting to be held in Ikoyi Ile. The group noted that it had not received any formal communication regarding the event, raising doubts about its authenticity.
Despite questioning the legitimacy of the information, the Ikoyi National Descendants Group said it deemed it necessary to respond to avoid making assumptions.
The statement emphasized that Ikoyi Ile is an ancient town with its own traditional authority, tracing its heritage to Ile-Ife, and operates within a clearly defined jurisdiction distinct from that of Ogbomosoland. According to the group, no historical or traditional overlap between the domains of Ikoyi Ile and Ogbomosoland would justify hosting such an event in Ikoyi Ile.
It further argued that the proposed 25-year development agenda is specific to Ogbomoso land and its people, making Ikoyi land an inappropriate venue for its presentation. The community also clarified that the administrative grouping of Ikoyi-Ile and Ogbomoso within the same political zone does not imply any form of traditional subordination.
Highlighting the current vacancy of the Onikoyi stool, the statement pointed out the absence of a substantive traditional ruler to receive the Soun, describing any such visit as a potential violation of cultural norms and territorial boundaries.
While rejecting what it described as an attempt to impose external authority or influence, the group maintained that it remains open to development partnerships, provided they are based on mutual agreement and respect.
The Ikoyi National Descendants Group called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene and discourage the planned visit. It also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting appropriate action from the authorities.
The statement was jointly signed by representatives of the Ikoyi National Descendants Group, including Prince Soliu Ayinde, Prince Bello Amosa, Princess Ahmed Fatimoh, Prince Sheu’ Kolawole, Mr Azeez Akinlolu, Mr Olusola Babarinde, Mrs Nusirat Ayinde, Mr. Bello Tajudeen, Mrs Bioye Adesite and Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu.
