When did you ascend the throne?
That was 1st of February, 2018.
What is your professional background?
I was into business before I became traditional ruler. I was into business management in Oyo State and here in Oguro.
How many ruling houses do you have in Oguro?
Before I got to the throne, there were five ruling houses. But the other four royal families agreed to merge to now make Oguro two-ruling house community. The second house is located in Oguro Orita, which is also part of Oguro. But there is a Part Two king there. Our side, which is called Apake ruling house, has the highest population because our forefathers founded Oguro town. Then we have Onida, Arojo, Oyalu and Olokuta.
What are you missing now that you are a king?
When someone becomes a king, things would change due to the traditional status of the new position. Before, I was actively involved in the marketing of my stocks and wares, but now I can no longer do that. I used to travel with my vehicle to buy different products. All those things are not possible for me again.
Did you socialize before you became the Ologuro?
I didn’t socialise at all. I am a Muslim cleric. I didn’t engage in any form of social activities.
What are the social and economic developments that have followed you to the throne?
It has not been an easy task being a king in a community. After I had been presented with the staff of office in February, I went to Oguro Community High School the same month to find out about their needs. I was informed by the school authorities that the roofing sheets of their examination hall were bad. I had to provide my personal money to buy bundles of roofing sheets, which were used to change the roofing of the hall. I also went to Oguro Baptist Primary School, where I was told that there were no chalks to write on the blackboards. I bought cartons of chalk. I equally renovated a block of classroom that was in a deplorable condition. There was no field in the school for the pupils to engage in sporting activities. I contracted people to clear a large expanse of land, which they now use for sports. Then, I thought about the development of the community as a whole and discovered that our town hall was in a pitiable state. I had to carry out the renovation of the structure by changing some facilities there so as to give it a facelift. Recently, some officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were posted here, and we had to approach the local government for the provision of office facility for them. Unfortunately, the council could not help in that regard. Bearing in mind the critical importance of security in our community, I decided to rehabilitate our old town hall, which they use as their office in Oguro, while I equally provided furniture for them so as to make their jobs easier since they are here to boost the security of our town. As a king for all my subjects, regardless of their religious background, during the last Easter celebration, I bought four bags of rice for distribution to the less privileged in our community, like I did during the last Ramadan period for the Muslim even before I was crowned as the king of our town. These are some of the things I have been able to do for my people in a personal capacity. Similarly, we called on the state government to assist in the rehabilitation of road that links Oguro with Masifa. The road has been in a terrible condition for long. We have been to the office of the ORAMP about the road and the Osun State Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP), an agency that assists communities in the implementation of projects. All the processes we need to do have been done so that they can come to our aid. The other ruling houses did not cooperate with us in this regard, but we cannot stop what we are doing because it is for the collective interest of Oguro community. The CSDP management have come to hold meeting with us on three occasions. After we may have completed all the necessary processes, we want the CSDP to construct an ultra modern hall for us Oguro.
What are the basic amenities that are lacking in your community?
We know that the financial condition of the state is not impressive. At the same time we want to appeal to the state government not to forget us in Oguro because we lack potable water for the consumption of the people. We are also imploring the government of our indefatigable Governor Rauf Aregbesola to build modern hospital for us in Oguro. Also, we need good schools with fascinating environment for our children. Like I said earlier, our roads are bad, and government should intervene whether through rehabilitation of these roads or construction of new ones to enhance the overall growth of our town.
Do you have any taboo in Oguro?
The only taboo we have in Oguro is that nobody dare say an Oguro indigene is mad or crazy. It is a taboo. If anybody calls an Oguro man or woman crazy, a misfortune or tragedy may befall that person. It is an age long taboo, which we don’t joke with here or anywhere an Oguro indigene lives.
How have you been able to maintain peace and harmony in your community?
As a traditional ruler, you must have listening ear to accommodate different views, contributions and complaints of your subjects. Most importantly, you must not discriminate against any religion, be it Islam, Christianity or traditional religion. Even though I am a Muslim, I identify with all religious sects. I could remember that I renovated a particular shrine for the traditional worshippers in Oguro with a view to fostering religious harmony among our people. So, here in Oguro, I don’t discriminate against any religion because I am the monarch for all categories of people. This is part of what contributes immensely to the reigning peace and tranquillity which we enjoy in Oguro today.
What is the involvement of prominent Oguro indigenes in the development of this community?
Some of them are trying their best in moving the community forward, but this would not deter me from calling on others both at home and diaspora to collaborate with me in fast tracking the growth of our town. I cannot do it alone, hence I need the help of wealthy and influential Oguro sons and daughters to play active roles in the overall development of the town by coming home to invest either through the establishment of companies or business, which can generate employment opportunities for the people. We have land that can be released for people, who want to invest in agriculture and other sectors so that our community can grow at a faster pace like other towns and communities in Osun State.
and then