IGBOGBO, AN ANCIENT COMMUNITY OF OVER 500 YEARS IN EXISTENCE. WHOM DID WE OFFEND? Written By Shakiru Seidu.

Growth is organic and could metamorphous to a going concern concept as postulated by the accounting body. When growth is adequately orchestrated by the progressives, technocrats and the people of like minds whose passion is development and provision of safe haven for all and sundry, nothing in this life can stop the people from progressing

However, where there is laxity, conspiracy of silence and complacency in community building, growth is bound to be thwarted and the people will become the slave of their inadequacies. The ancient town of Igbogbo community is crying for rapid growth and development.

Since three years ago, no doubt about it that the emergence of the current King of Igbogbo land, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr) AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali Emugoriade 1, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo land, birthed the undiluted fresh air of great transformation that everyone can testify to. 

As an erudite lawyer and a remarkable intellect, the king has overtime, in alliance with High Chief Tajudeen Alade Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo land and rest of the Chiefs, demonstrated radical passion for growth and development of Igbogbo Community. The presence of Sterling bank and UBA were made possible with the collective effort of the progressives in the land. The insecurity challenges encountered over the years have been stemmed considering the presence of Squadron 63 base of the mobile Police force, just to mention but a few. 

When the community is undergoing great transformation, check the leadership and vice versa. But then, I saw a sudden stoppage and a very loud silence in the developmental process that all have thought will be in progressive succession. What has happens?

It is often said that a tree does not make a forest. In my candid opinion, I am sceptical of what I term conspiracy of silence on the side of those who ought to bolster the king in his pursuit. Community building a collective effort. 

There are various social cultural groups and associations of reputable nomenclature that have been in existence for decades, the likes of First Club, Elite Brothers Club, Pioneer Club, Unique Club, and the rest of them; nothing seems to be emanating from them again in terms of promoting the growth and development of this land. 

This community is long over due for growth. An ancient community of over 500 years in existence. Whom did we offend? This community is not a far cry from a crawling baby.

It is crystal clear that crime rate has drastically reduced, cult fights are gradually fizzling away, yet our dilapidated roads still remain the same, crippling the business and movement of many. The recreational facilities that could douse all forms of tension and pressure that people face are nowhere to be found. Unity of purpose is scarce among the intellects in the land that has produced great philanthropists and political gladiators. There is deficiency of synergy among all and sundry who are the stakeholders with a stake to revamp our community from over due stagnancy.

Presently, Igbogbo can not boast of a Town Hall, the Roads were bad, the Sports Stadium is neglected, our Library is not functioning, a Federal Health Centre was abandoned inside 'Yewa Forest', our inheritance and houses were demolished without compensation, politics of selfcentred dominated everywhere, and the atmosphere remained silent.

Recently, the Monarch dissolved the 20 year old IDEA, led by Sir Kola Ogunkoya, Mr Yaya Ogunsowo, Alhaji Jelili Abubakir, and the rest of them and inaugurated a new team under the leadership of Dr. Tunde Ogunlaja, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola and Engr Lateef Oduntan as Vice President and Secretary respectively. But the issue is, can they deliver? Yes they can! Creating different Committees and reporting back to them will definitely ease their job. Also, Aremo Adesegun Ogunlewe, Comrade Olusesan Daini, amongst other responsible individuals should be dragged to join them. We have no excuse to make Igbogbo great once again.

In my final analysis, if all the stakeholders; the elder statesmen, sociocultural groups and associations in all facet of age category, locally and internationally and the sons and daughters of the soil could embrace a vibrant synergy to collaborate with HRM Oba (Barr) Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Chiefs and Baales, the technocrats, religious organizations, market men and women and all the progressives, our Igbogbo community will be a safe haven for all without any iota of doubt. 

Posterity is eagerly waiting for our sacrifice of love to clear the path for them and to further preserve this community of ours. Igbogbo community is yearning and crying profusely for that realistic and achievable growth and development that we all will cherish forever. 

To be continued........

SHAKIRU SEIDU

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief,

MegaXpression Community Magazine.