Nothing secret, negative about Ogboni, formed for good of society ― Meshioye

THE Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) has said that there is nothing secret or negative about the fraternity, pointing out that the group was set up for the good of society, with its ultimate objective aimed at promoting good values, discipline and justice.

Leader of the fraternity, Chief Francis Meshioye, said this at a news conference in Lagos on Friday to flag off the Founder’s Day celebration of the fraternity.

This year’s celebration, according to him, is focused on promoting the ideals of the group and to show the world the “right light.”

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Meshioye, who expressed sadness that the fraternity had been misunderstood by some members of the public as a secret society, contended that there was nothing secret or negative about the fraternity put together for the good of society.

Going through Memory Lane, Meshioye said the group was actually founded in 1914 by a Christian, Deacon Jacobson Ogunbiyi, to promote Christianity and the fear of God among people.

According to him, the group was later expanded to accommodate people of different faiths, saying that this was responsible for the change in name from Ogboni Fraternity to Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, adding some respected Nigerians were members of the fraternity.

ROF leader emphasised that the fraternity was strictly for positive values, pointing out that: “The objective of Ogbonism was to elevate the whole man by inculcating in all members the constant practice of virtue and the Golden Rule to do unto others (members or non-members) as one would wish them to do unto him.”

“This provision invokes the intellectual, moral and physical capabilities of members. It is the summary of the teachings of the greatest commandment that Jesus Christ gave his apostles.

“Strictly adhered to, we would not have the evils that plague our society today. On the other hand, there would have been peace, harmony, love and unity among the nations of the world.

“If a good Ogboni is not sober, honest, industrious, benevolent, charitable, a good husband, a good housewife, a kind father, a kind mother, a loyal and virtuous citizen, it is because he has not understood the principles inculcated through various stages of his or her elevation processes.

“The many other positive impacts of ROF on the generality of society include good citizenship, moral discipline and personal discipline,” he added.

Meshioye said the fraternity teaches its members to practice universal brotherhood of man as the ROF dissociates itself from tribalism and nepotism, adding the fraternity “embraces all its members as uterine brothers who are faithful, honest and sincere to one another.”

Meshioye said it was important for people to truly understand what the group stood for, calling on Nigerians to embrace the fraternity’s virtues.

He equally urged Nigerians to join the fraternity and be part of the movement to make the society better for all.