A group of concerned indigenes of Ogbomoso, under the umbrella of the Ogbomoso Diaspora Development Forum, has expressed concerns over the slow pace of development in the ancient town.
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According to the group, factors such as religious crisis, insecurity, and needless litigations are major threats to the town’s growth.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s President, Chief Olusegun Olawale, and Secretary, Reverend Remilekun Adeola, the group noted that civil and criminal litigation on land matters amongst the community leadership have become a significant impediment to peace and friendly cohabitation in the town.

The group also cited the recent case of insecurity involving the death of Mr. Gbenga Owolabi, an Ogbomoso-born US-based hotelier who was kidnapped and killed by a group.

“The family of the deceased has since relocated to the USA due to fear of being the next target.”

Furthermore, the group mentioned the case of trespass on the land of JALadeji and Sons Limited, which was widely reported in the news.

These incidents, according to the group, are clear indications that the community can never grow when such untoward events are being orchestrated by the local leadership.
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The group also expressed concerns over the upcoming Ogbomoso Cradle events scheduled for December 2024, which are threatened by insecurity, bad roads, and unavailable infrastructure.

The religious crisis in the community, particularly the litigation between the Kabiyesi Oba Olaoye Ghandi and the Chief Imam Ogbomoso land, was also cited as a major challenge facing the town.

“In addition, land matters and controversy are prevalent in Ogbomoso and neighboring towns like Iresa, Ikoyi, and Iya Oje. The Ologbon of Ile Igbon is also embroiled in litigation with the Ayinla Afingbaoge family.”

These issues, according to the group, are outside government control and require urgent attention from the community leadership.
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