At Omoluabi forum, stakeholders promote Yoruba ideals of coexistence

Apparently worried by the eroding principles of “Omoluabi” in the society, a group of like minds came together to forge a better future for the country.

The group, under the aegis of “Omoluabi”, is of the opinion that the core value system of integrity, selflessness, dedication, among others, is being subverted by the rising influence of western civilization.

At a one-day event held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, with the theme:” Omoluabi Principles: A Call To Return”, the chairman of ‘Omoluabi’, Ladi Smith, expressed his desire to to make the voice of “Omoluabi” a relevant force in decision-making process at all levels of life in the country.

Smith lamented the state of political and social circles in the country calling on all and sundry to work towards returning the country to the age of integrity and dedication to Nigerian project.

He submitted that the efforts of the group is also geared towards informing, educating and disseminating the Omoluabi principles in the land of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, Nigeria, the continent of Africa and the global world.

Smith said it was the resolve of the Omoluabi Group to rekindle hope in the present generation of youths who are future leaders of the country by being a trail blazer for change in the land of Oduduwa and Nigeria as a whole.

“The Omoluabi Group is defender and protector of the rights of the Oduduwa people in particular, the peoples of Nigeria and Africa in general. We are concerned to modernize, reinforce, strengthen and grow the structure of Nigeria, while maintaining the original principles of Omoluabi.

“One of our objectives is to make the Omoluabi ethos the guiding principles governing our existence in Nigeria, especially in the social, economic, political and government arenas,” Smith said.

He added that Nigerians need re-orientation on the core values of human existence by promoting justice, equality, unity, truthfulness among all.

Similarly, the Chairman of the event, Senator Femi Okurounmu, in his goodwill message, lamented that virtues of honesty, hard work, strong determination to achieve are no longer the forces driving the nation’s youth, saying the spirit of covetousness, lack of patience among others have taken over their lives.

He urged the Omoluabi Group not to be deterred in its quest to revive the lost glory of the Yoruba nation, in particular and Nigeria as a whole, insisting that things have gone awry in today’s Nigeria.

While delivering his perspective on the theme, the retired Archbishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Grace, Ayo Ladigbolu, commended members of the group for taking it upon themselves to be agents of change in transforming the country in all ramifications.

He emphasized the need for a rebirth in the way of doing things in the country, especially the nation’s political system for a greater Nigeria.

Archbishop Ladigbolu said the Omoluabi Group must serve as mentor and role models to the younger generation by inculcating in them good virtues.

He said, “Before now, scholars and elite don’t interfere in the business of politics. I am glad that the trend has now changed. I see what you are doing now as facing the challenge of role modeling.This is because if the youths that want to take over don’t have role models, we won’t get far.

“The difference has gone beyond what is being done by the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE). I want you to make a dedication to the Yoruba nation not just to bring back the concept but the real behavior of Omoluabi.

“You don’t have to think about what is good or what is right. You should do to others as you want them to do unto you. That’s the way we were brought up but suddenly, some others things came up.

“I want to recommend the four way test of the Rotary Club. Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

The lead paper of the programme was presented by a renowned Professor of History, Banji Akintoye, who said the Omoluabi principle is one that can make any nation great, asking the group to go back to the basics if anything is to be achieved.

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He asked members to be courageous in promoting ideals of Omoluabi, saying they should not be failure.

“You are young people who are a product of a particular culture and tradition that speaks the truth and pursue it.

“Omoluabi is not a principle of all the peoples of Nigeria but of the early beginnings of the Yoruba nation of Nigeria. It is a principle that can make any national of the world great.

“I urge you to return to the type of principle that will make the best contribution to this country. The kind of changes the world was looking and hoping for in 1960.

“Occasionally when I wake up these days, I wonder if I am still in Nigeria. Sometimes I gave up and I left. I later wish I had not left. This is not the same Nigeria we knew in 1960. We know how to build civilization. We were great people. We shouldn’t belong to failure. And this is where the Omoluabi principle comes in.

“It is the principle of the best in orderliness of government, interpersonal relationship. What is our contribution to things around and make this place a beautiful place. Other countries have their own principles. It is your duty to go back to the beginning.

“We, Yoruba people, can help bring this country back to the top of the hill. We can get out of the mud. There is not even a country left in our country. In the midst of it all, what we see is more pressure, uncommon sense, disharmony among our people.

“The Omoluabi doesn’t just tell the truth, you should stand for it. We are a people with a great deal to give.”

Afenifere chieftain, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, in his own remarks, advised members of the group who might want to join the political train of the country, not to lose the principles of Omoluabi in them.

He also emphasized that the Yoruba nation is the root of Omoluabis and urged them to restore those principles.

“The Yoruba race is that of Omoluabi. That is the making of Oduduwa. None of us know Oduduwa but we all know Awolowo, who is the promoter of Omoluabi. He started the Live More Abundant programme for everybody. That is the attitude of an Omoluabi.

“It is not for a group of people as we see today. I am glad that the organizers are planning to restore it. Some of you want to get into government but when you enter, will you hold on to this principle?

“The military spoilt the Omoluabi and gave us something else and we collected from them. When you get to government, we should reverse the trend. When you bring it back, don’t forget the principles of Omoluabi,” Akinfenwa added.

One of the discussants, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, submitted that the country might not progress except issues of eroded values caused by slavery, colonialism, ethnic politics, unprincipled leadership among others are addressed.

Agbaje said the move to return to the Omoluabi principles must be embraced by all and sundry who desire good governance and way of life.

“I would recommend a 21st century articulation of Omoluabi principles that identifies personal and societal values and principles consistent with Omoluabi such as hard work and diligence, seeking progress and abundant life for all, courage, truth and integrity.

“We must also fully define negatives that are unacceptable for Omoluabi such as greed, lying, irresponsible behaviors, lack of concern to mention but a few,” he added.