Prominent Royal Fathers in Egbe - Oba land of Ekiti State as well as dignitaries from all walks of life at the weekend graced the historic return of Ootunja - Ekiti to their ancient land with the foundation laying ceremony of a multi - million Naira new Oba's palace.
The occasion which was chaired by the Alaaye - Oke Ayedun, Ekiti State, HRM Oba Olufemi Aribisala, Obembe 1 also had in attendance HRM Oba Samuel Adedeji Oluyemi, the Olusin of Usin- Ekiti, HRM Oba David Ogunsakin, Elesun of Esun - Ekiti, HRM Oba Johnson Oladele Adeyemi, the Obaloke of Igbona - Ekiti with the chief host , HRM Oba Joseph Adedeji Adelola Fagbamila 2, the Olootunja of Ootunja - Ekiti.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Olufemi Aribisala thanked God and commended all Ootunja Sons and Daughters on the initiative and prayed for speedy completion of the new palace.
He urged all Ootunja Sons and Daughters to take advantage of the new town by massively building houses on the land.He urged them to stop buying land elsewhere in Ikole adding that they should henceforth build houses on their land.
Also speaking, Oba Samuel Adedeji Oluyemi, the Olusin of Usin expressed joy that the great decision to return to Ootunja ancient land took place during their lifetime.
Oba Adedeji further lauded the initiative saying " it would put an end all forms of injustices, hardship and punishment experienced by Ootunja Sons and Daughters in their present location in Ikole-Ekiti" .
The Olootunja of Ootunja, Oba Joseph Adedeji Adelola Fagbamila 2, recalled that Ootunja migrated from their land to Ikole during the reign of his grand father, Oba Fagbamila 1.
He expressed joy that God has granted him the grace to return Ootunja back to their land which he described as very historical and similar to the journey of the lsraelites from Egypt to Canaanland.
[22/12, 12:07 pm] Prof Tayo Popoola: * OSDA President, Emeritus Professor Peter Adeniyi at the foundation laying ceremony .
Meanwhile, President of Ootunja Sons and Daughters Association ( OSDA), Emeritus Professor Peter Adeniyi has given various reasons for the return of Ootunja Sons and Daughters to their ancient land.
Amongst others, Adeniyi said the current place inhabited in Ikole "does not define who we are nor represent our values" adding that "the location is an embarrassment ".
Adeniyi recalled that our forefathers migrated to Ikole land between 1922 - 1926.
He described the foundation laying ceremony of the new Oba's palace as very epochal and historical as none of the present generation of Ootunja Sons and Daughters could claim knowledge of when the foundation of current palace was constructed.
Adeniyi further stressed that the impact of the movement to Ikole land has stunted growth and development of Ootunja town when compared to other villages that did not move to Ikole land.
He gave several examples to buttress his assertion such as schools, market, hospitals etc adding that Ootunja virtually lost everything.
He contended that in order not to continue to adjust to an uncomfortable situation and to re-establish our identity and dignity as well as create a strategic pathway for a new Ootunja of our dreams, we decided to return to our own land where no one can intimidate us,treat us as second citizens, prevent our growth and development .
Above all, the former VC of FUTA and Chairman, Governing Council of University of Ado - Ekiti argued that " We want to create a better environment for our children and children unborn to grow and live"; he added.
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