Monarchs move to end disunity, strengthen ties among Akure-speaking communities

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Land, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, and the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode, have pledged to deepen unity and reconciliation among communities within the Akure-speaking bloc.

The commitment was made during a meeting in Ita-Ogbolu, where traditional rulers and community stakeholders agreed to set aside differences and work together to promote peace and development across the communities.

Oba Aladetoyinbo said greater cooperation among Akure-speaking communities was necessary to preserve their shared heritage and build stronger bonds capable of promoting collective development.

The Deji, who described himself as a stakeholder in Akure North, said his ties with Ita-Ogbolu predated his ascension to the throne, noting that his family had traditional and political connections to the area.

He said, “I played politics with you before becoming the Deji. My father was the Olu of Alayere, while my blood brother is the Oriade of Alayere. So, I belong here in body, soul and mind.”

Similarly, the Deji urged community leaders and residents to abandon old grievances and focus on the benefits of unity, stressing that cooperation was essential to achieving meaningful development across the Akure-speaking communities.

The Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Faborode, described peace and unity as prerequisites for development and pledged to support efforts to dismantle barriers and rebuild trust, saying, “No sacrifice is too great for peace and unity.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Akure Speaking Communities Summit, Air Commodore Adewale Ogunmodede (retd.), presented the summit’s report to the Ogbolu and called for greater participation by Ita-Ogbolu indigenes in the reconciliation initiative, while other stakeholders expressed support for the monarchs’ drive to achieve lasting unity.