Traditional group counters Soun of Ogbomosoland, declares independence

By Adejayan Gbenga –

A traditional group in Oyo State, the Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye Home and Federal Joint Action Group has reaffirmed its constitutional independence after His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, announced its dissolution.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade T. M. Balogun, National PRO; Alhaji Iliasu Jamiu, Acting Chairman of the Home Zone; and Mrs. Akintoyinbo Janet O., General Secretary of the Home Zone, the association emphasized that it was founded on a written constitution which recognizes the Soun as its Grand Patron and other traditional rulers across Ogbomosoland’s five local government areas as Patrons.

The statement stressed that while the group holds deep respect for the throne and the monarch, no individual has the authority to dissolve it, as it is a constitutionally established entity.

“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 the unity, progress, and development of Ogbomosoland,” the statement read in part.

The group also described the timing of the dissolution as “ill-timed,” coming during the mourning period for its late National President, Hon. Justice Afolabi Aremu Adeniran (Rtd).

Reaffirming the vision of its founding fathers and mothers, the Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye stressed the need to preserve the organization’s legacy for future generations.

The association further reiterated its call for unity among indigenes at home and in the diaspora, assuring that it would continue to pursue the progress and development of Ogbomosoland.