The people of Egosi in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State have said that they would continue to support the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his efforts to reunite Yoruba leaders.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune during the town’s 2016 annual get-together in Egosi at the weekend, the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Daniel Dada, said the Ooni had by such singular effort, since ascending the throne, set a positive precedent for other Yoruba leaders to emulate.
He cited Oba Ogunwusi’s rich educational and cultural background, saying they were being deployed for the overall benefit of the Yoruba race.
Oba Dada urged the Ooni not to succumb to intimidation and distraction in his efforts to liberate his people, saying that the community would continue to channel resources towards ensuring he achieves success on the throne.
The monarch, who is also the Elegosi of Egosi kingdom, said the annual get-together was designed to promote unity among the people of the community irrespective of political or religious affiliations.
He said that the community had since its movement to its present site on Otun Road, embarked on projects aimed at improving the living standard of the people.
The monarch listed such projects to include the community’s security post, rural electrification, building of community schools and health centres.
Dada called on both the state and federal governments to assist the community through the establishment of more infrastructural facilities for the overall benefit of the people.
On his part, the President of Egosi Development Union, Engineer Ayinla Lawal, urged the people of the community not to relent in contributing their quota to the development of the community.
The Elemo of Egosi, Chief Sam Oni, in his remarks, advocated for specific roles for states in strengthening the capacities of firms and institutions in tackling the nation’s present economic hardship.
Oni, a retired personnel of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), also advised government at all levels to prioritise mechanised agriculture as an antidote to fight poverty, hunger and unemployment.