Osogbo Indigenes Move To Resuscitate Oroki Day Celebration
•As Alhaji Olayanju Sworn-In As OPU President
The umbrella body for all indigenes of Osogbo, Osun State, Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), has announced its determination to resuscitate the annual Oroki Day celebration.
The national president of OPU, Alhaji Lateef Olayanju, stated this on Saturday shortly after he was sworn in alongside other executives at the palace of Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
Olayanju who noted that the annual get-together was last held in 2014, said the union is ready to collaborate with the Osogbo Elders’ Council and Osogbo Action Council to bring back the Oroki Day celebration.
“We are going to collaborate with the Osogbo Elders’ Council and Osogbo Action Council and make sure Oroki Day starts again in 2026,” Olayanju said.
The OPU president urged all indigenes of the town to support the Ataoja and the union for the progress of Osogboland.
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“Every one of us should cooperate. We have one leader, and that is the Kabiesi Ataoja of Osogboland. Anybody who truly has the interest of Osogbo at heart would always be alive to whatever program and project that will enhance the image of the town and one of such programs is this annual get-together called Oroki Day.
“We want unity, love, and whatever will bring progress to the town. And to do that, it means all hands of Osogbo indigenes must be on deck and we must work towards the same direction,” he noted.
Olayanju, who lamented that the litigation facing the union has posed some challenges, however, expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated executive would take charge of activities fully without any hindrance.
“The freezing of the OPU account due to the litigation makes it extremely difficult for the past administration to coordinate and lead in the pursuance of some projects from the government and private sectors and in the execution of such projects.
“The litigation is supposed to end with the expiration of the last administration. Therefore, the incoming administration is expected to take control of all the properties put under the supervision of OPU national and unfreeze the OPU bank account,” the OPU president added.
Earlier, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Oyetunji, prayed for the inaugurated executive and called for unity among indigenes of the town.
Dignitaries at the event included; the lawmaker representing Irepodun/Olorunda/Osogbo/Orolu Federal Constituency, Hon. Adewale Moruf; the lawmaker representing Osogbo state constituency, Hon. Rasheed Lawal; the state Commissioner for Budget, Prof. Moruf Ademola Adeleke; Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the state Governor, Alhaji Muniru Raji and Asiwaju of Osogbo, Hon. Justice Kunle Adeigbe (rtd).
Other inaugurated executives are; Mr Badiru Ganiyu (Secretary), Alhaji Sanusi Akinlabi (Treasure), Barrister Shittu Ajibade (Financial Secretary), Mr Fatai Bolarinwa (Public Relations Officer), Mr Adeyemo Babatunde (Auditor 1), Dr Ibrahim Oyekola (National Auditor 2) and Prince Kunle Fayoyiwa (Ex-officio).
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
