The Olupo of Oluponna Land, Oba Abdulrafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye, Ilufemiloye Ariwajoye I, has called on indigenes of the town to shun violence and bitterness, and instead embrace peace and unity as essential foundations for sustainable development.The monarch made the call during the 58th Oluponna Day and his third anniversary of ascension to the throne of his forefathers held at D.C. Primary School in Oluponna, Osun State. It was attended by the State functionaries, royal fathers, Olupo-in-council, religious leaders, ODA national executives, and Oluponna indigenes from across the world.
Oba Bamigboye encouraged residents to remain steadfast in building a peaceful and progressive town, stressing that unity remains the town’s greatest asset.
He also used the opportunity to commend various development efforts across the town. Oba Bamigboye expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and for granting him the grace to lead the people of Oluponna in peace over the past three years. He thanked the people of the town for their continued support and cooperation. The monarch described Oluponna as a city of peace, urging all residents to continue to embrace unity and shun acts of violence or division. He emphasised that Oluponna’s strength lies in its collective progress and peaceful coexistence.
He thanked Governor Adeleke for the rehabilitation of the Police Station Road to Aladura and Alaya, as well as the complete renovation of St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School. He also praised Senator Lere Oyewumi for the ongoing construction of the road from BOVAS Junction to the Maternity Centre, expressing hope that the road would be extended to Araromi Roundabout.
Oba Bamigboye commended the Tim Akano Foundation for the complete renovation of Baptist Day Primary School and the annual provision of school uniforms and writing materials for pupils, describing the gesture as worthy of emulation. He acknowledged the renovation of D.C. Primary School and the provision of a solar-powered borehole facilitated by Mainstream Energy Solution Ltd., a project led by an illustrious son of Oluponna.
Olupo revealed that a bill for the establishment of a Federal Fisheries College in Oluponna has reached its third reading in the National Assembly, expressing hope that the passage of the bill would soon bring federal presence and more opportunities to the town.
He proudly announced that the best SSSCE result in the NECO examination nationwide this year was recorded by an indigene of Oluponna, a development he described as a source of great pride. Oba Bamigboye extended his appreciation to the outgoing national executives of the Oluponna Development Association (ODA), led by Otunba Julius Ademola Akinlabi, for six years of meritorious service. He congratulated the newly elected ODA executives and urged them to remain committed to the vision of progress for the town, assuring them of the community’s support.
Olupo prayed for the continued peace, unity and development of Oluponna, and wished all visitors safe travels to their various destinations. Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Rilwan Akanji Adigun, expressed pride in being the first young indigene to chair the event since its inception 58 years ago.
He thanked the Olupo and the Oluponna Development Association for the opportunity and described the honour as a significant milestone for youth inclusion in community leadership. Adigun urged all sons and daughters of Oluponna to rededicate themselves to the development of the town and called for support for the Osun State Government in its ongoing developmental efforts across the state.
He called on the younger generation to remain committed to the values of service, unity and progress, stressing that with collective effort and faith, greater achievements would be recorded in Oluponna.
The National President of the Oluponna Development Association (ODA), Julius Akinlabi, emphasised the vital role of community sacrifice and collective initiative in driving development at the grassroots level.
Akinlabi noted that many of the infrastructural projects witnessed in Oluponna today are largely the result of community efforts rather than direct government intervention.
According to him, this self-driven development model reflects the resilience, unity, and shared responsibility of the people. He encouraged other communities to adopt similar approaches, stressing that waiting solely on government provisions may delay needed progress.
Akinlabi commended the efforts of individuals and groups within the town who have contributed their time, resources, and expertise towards improving roads, health centres, schools, and other critical infrastructure. He urged the people of Oluponna to continue fostering this spirit of ownership and collaboration for sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the newly elected President of the ODA, Olukayode Odetunde, pledged to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor. In his inaugural address, Odetunde emphasised his commitment to promoting unity, inclusiveness, and participatory leadership.
He assured all segments of the Oluponna community that no one would be left behind in the town’s journey towards greater growth and development. Odetunde stressed that love, mutual respect, and understanding among community members remain essential ingredients for progress.
He called on residents, both at home and in the diaspora, to come together in harmony, set aside personal differences, and work collectively for the betterment of Oluponna adding that with unity as a guiding principle, the town can achieve more and serve as a model for other communities striving for self-reliance and grassroots empowerment.
