The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Soun Orumogege III, has inaugurated Ogbomosoland Sons and Daughters Universal (OSDU), a socio-cultural platform established to serve as the unified voice, identity and rallying point for sons and daughters of Ogbomoso across the globe.
The monarch described the inauguration as a purposeful stride towards building a greater and more united Ogbomosoland, stressing that the initiative is driven by hope, duty and collective responsibility to the land and its people.
As part of the inauguration, the Soun appointed Professor Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN), former Oyo State Commissioner for Justice, as the pioneer interim president of OSDU. Other members of the interim executive committee include Alhaji Sarumi as vice president; Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd) as general secretary; Alhaji Alimi Sarumi as assistant general secretary; as well as Engr. Rabiu Bello and Judge Funmi Ashaolu as members.
Additional members of the committee are Alhaji Mulikat Usman, Alhaji Quazeem Olaosebikan, Mr. Banji Ojo, Prof. Thomas Oyelami, Prince Azeez Oladiran, and Engr. Ogunwole.
According to the Soun, the committee will serve a two-year tenure, during which it will coordinate, harmonise and register all clubs, groups and associations willing to align with the vision of a united and progressive Ogbomosoland.
“OSDU is the new direction. We want all societies to register with it. There will be restructuring with a strong focus on development. This is a purpose-driven organisation that is not divided and will operate under the guidance of the Soun,” the monarch said.
Oba Olaoye further explained that OSDU was created to represent Ogbomosoland in all matters relating to heritage, unity, cohesion, development and future aspirations, especially as the ancient town steadily rises towards its destined place of prominence.
He also announced that OSDU would hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) every year, scheduled for the day after the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, a symbolic period set aside for reflection, unity and renewed commitment to the collective destiny of the land.
“This is our time. This is our responsibility. Ogbomoso must rise — and together, we shall rise,” the Soun declared.
