Ataoja Sues For Peace Among Princes, Commends NTA For Peace Building

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olaonipekun, Larooye II is not happy about the “situation where there is no harmony among the Princes in Osogboland”

The Ataoja stated this when he gave audience to the management of NTA Osogbo led by the General Manager, Waheed Amusa during a courtesy visit to the monarch in his palace.

While appealing to the people to allow peace to reign for the development of the ancient town, Oba Olanipekun noted the tremendous progress in the town so far during his 9 years reign but quickly added ” I could not perform optimally because of lack of harmony among various Princes which manifests in litigations”.

Oba Olanipekun has been battling with court cases since his coronation 9 years ago.

He gave historical account of the founding of Osogbo centuries ago tracing it to Ijesa while noting that the founder of Osogbo was a younger brother to Owa, a direct descendant of Oduduwa, from whom Osogbo’s crown was derived.

“I am not quarrelling or in competition with any traditional ruler, my point is that Osogbo is not a fry in order of traditional scheme in Osun State and in Nigeria considering its historical background and contributions to the growth and survival of the Yoruba race as well as the development of the country”.

He will want people to address Osogbo by its full name, Osogbo-Oroki-Asala as he recalls that the town addressed as Osogbo today had been in existence in Owaroki first and later Ipole before the historical encounter between Olutimeyin, the hunter, and the Osun river goddess which changed the real name, Owa-Oroki to Oso-Igbo, now Osogbo.

Oroki-Asala is explained to mean the refuge for many in the period of turbulence and war with particular reference to the role played by Osogbo in stopping the warring Fulanis who had conquered Ilorin, Offa and still ravaging to cease the entire Yorubaland.

Oba Olanipekun commended the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Osogbo for promoting peace and culture in the land and urged the organisation to do more by fighting the menace of fake news with a promise to mobilise support for the station.

The General Manager of NTA Osogbo, Waheed Amusa had told the Ataoja how NTA had contributed to peace building and development of Osun State within limited resources.

While reeling out what he had done to turn the station around since assumption of office with the unflinching support of the Director General, Mallam Yakubu ibn Muhammed, he informed the monarch that NTA Osogbo was the only station presently switched on to digital terrestrial transmission in the South-West as the people of Osun State now enjoy watching the terrestrial stations in the country through the Free TV set top boxes.

“Kabiyesi, I want to assure you that though NTA is a Federal organisation it is your station because our mandate is to serve the people and government of this state and we shall not shirk in this responsibility.” Amusa said.

The management had earlier visited the State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji all in efforts aimed at connecting with the people and the government of Osun State for the overall well being of the people and the expected development of the state.