A youth group – National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Ogbomoso Zone on Monday has appealed to the consciousness of Ogbomoso youths and residents to allow peace and unity reign in the imbroglio that has ensued between the paramount ruler in the town – Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege II) The Soun of Ogbomosoland and the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland – Dr. Yinus Teliat Ayilara.
It will be recalled that the cold war between the duo took a new turn around over the weekend when a copy of query letter issued to the Chief Imam by the Soun, for embarking on Holy Pilgrimage without due notification surfaced on the social media. This has however led to several people airing their opinion and increased tension in the land.
Meanwhile, the apex youth body in a release by its PRO – Comr. ODETUNDE Stephen Blessing and jointly signed by the NYCN Ogbomoso Zonal Chairman and Secretary – Comr. Oyewusi Afolabi Mathew and Comr. Oyeyemi Abdulganniy respectively, on Monday 1st July, 2024 appealed to everyone to maintain peace and unity , string that peace is the he bedrock of progress and development.
The group urge Ogbomoso indigenous both home and abroad to promote understanding and dialogue, foster unity, pray for Peace and progress of the community as well as, avoid provocative actions or statement hat may trigger unrest in the land.
The press statement concluded by sincerely appealing to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, the Chief Imam and all other stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution of the differences.
The full press release below
NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (NYCN) OGBOMOSO ZONE
Press Release
1st July, 2024
Soun of Ogbomosoland vs Chief Imam Ogbomosoland imbroglio: A Patriotic Call for Peace and Unity in Ogbomosoland
The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogbomoso Zone, wishes to address the ongoing subtle crisis between the esteemed Chief Imam and our Paramount Ruler, the Soun of Ogbomosoland. We recognize the gravity of this situation and the dimension it is taking, as well as its potential impact on the peace and unity of our beloved community.
As the apex youth body in Ogbomoso, we stand committed to fostering harmony and understanding among all citizens of the land irrespective of the religion and sides on the matter. We firmly believe that peace is the bedrock of progress and development, and it is in this spirit that we call upon all youth and indeed all citizens/residents of Ogbomoso to embrace peace and unity.
We urge everyone to:
1. Promote Understanding and Dialogue through constructive dialogue and seek to understand different perspectives. We urge everyone to approach this situation with empathy and a willingness to find common ground towards the progress of Ogbomosoland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
2. Foster Unity: Remember that we are all part of one community. Our strength lies in our unity. Let us work together to build a harmonious and thriving Ogbomoso. The Council plead that we all remember our collective statement as a town that “We are one big family” where we can find Christians, Muslims and Traditionalists in a family.
3. Pray for Peace and Progress: We are using this medium to call on all religious and community leaders, as well as individuals, to pray fervently for the peace and progress of Ogbomoso. Let us seek divine guidance and intervention in these challenging times. This is a period when understanding between/within our leaders are needed than ever before so as to uplift the Ogbomosoland of our dream.
4. The Council plead with everyone to kindly avoid provocative actions that may lead to any unrest; either through our words or posts on social media. Although, the social media has helped to aggravate the issues which makes it seems beyond control and threatens the peaceful coexistence being enjoyed in our town but our ‘We Can’ power is there to bring the peace back to our homeland. So, let us restrain from actions or statements that could escalate tensions. Let us be ambassadors of peace in our words and deeds.
At this juncture, we sincerely appeal to the Chief Imam, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, and all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution of their differences. The unity and progress of Ogbomoso are paramount, and we believe that through mutual respect and understanding, we can overcome any challenge.
In these trying times, let us hold steadfast to our shared values and aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Ogbomoso. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
Thank you…
Signed:
Comr. Oyewusi Mathew Afolabi
NYCN Ogbomoso Zonal Chairman
Comr. Oyeyemi Abdulganniy
NYCN Ogbomoso Zonal Secretary
Through:
Comr. Odetunde Stephen Blessing
NYCN OGBOMOSO Zonal PRO