14 Years After: Tribute To The Trailblazer Of Modern Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi III

• By Prince Oloyede Oyewale Matanmi

The South Africans have a proverb, that “The footprints of a great leader may be erased, but their path will forever be remembered.” Such is the similitude of my beloved late father, Ọ́bá Ìyìọ̀lá Òyéwálé Matanmi III, who was a trailblazer for the modern Óṣógbó – a city with vibrant warmth yet so calm with its beautiful landscapes.

I remember vividly the night of December 25, 2006, when Ọ́gbẹ̀ní Rauf Aregbesola visited the Ataoja’s palace for a royal blessing. Kábíyésì told him, “Rauf, if you will develop my empire which is Óṣógbó, you have my blessings.” It was so unfortunate that Ọ́bá Òyéwálé Matanmi III could not witness the development Ọ́gbẹ̀ní promised and fulfilled. It is also known to every Óṣógbó indigene that Ọ́gbẹ̀ní also had a fidau prayer for the late Ataoja at his campaign office at Gbongan Road, demonstrating his love for the late King and Óṣógbó.

The present Ataoja of Óṣógbó, my revered father, Ọ́bá Jimoh Óyétúnjí Laaroye II is also following the path of his predecessor, which shows Óṣógbó is blessed with royal fathers who have the love of the city and its environs at heart and are committed to its progressive development.

By the special Grace of God and with the help of its illustrious sons and daughters, the vision of taking Óṣógbó to its rightful position among other cities in Nigeria with towering development and people-oriented initiatives will come to fruition.

Óṣógbó has immense potential for growth and development. I believe by building on the infrastructural developments which Ọ́gbẹ̀ní Rauf Aregbesola started, addressing basic socioeconomic challenges, improving equitable access to health facilities and social amenities, and preserving our rich cultural heritage, Óṣógbó can become a thriving city that offers a high quality of life to its residents and a desirable destination for local and international investors and tourists. There is no better time to unlock and unleash Óṣógbó’s embedded capacities and potential, to drive sustainable peace, collective growth and progressive change.

May the soul of Ọ́bá Òyéwálé Matanmi III continue to rest in peace. May the reign of Ọ́bá Óyétúnjí Laaroye II continue to bring us joy and peace. God bless Óṣógbó! God bless Ọ̀ṣùn – the great Ìpínlẹ̀ Ọmọlúàbí! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not represent the opinions or views of OSUN DEFENDER.