The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to reposition Ogbomoso as a secure, organized, and economically competitive city. In a series of events, including a town hall meeting and a courtesy visit by senior police officials, the monarch outlined his vision to modernize the town and reaffirm its place in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
During a recent visit to his palace by Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11 (Oyo and Osun States), AIG Fred Ikokotu, the Soun emphasized the importance of security in building a thriving community. “Their visit is deeply appreciated, and it reaffirms our shared commitment to the peace and safety of Ogbomosoland,” he said. He reiterated that Ogbomoso’s development depends heavily on the security of lives and property. “Nobody will build a company where there is no security,” he noted, while revealing plans to construct five new police stations across the town.As part of efforts to transform Ogbomoso into a regional commercial hub, the Soun announced the upcoming dualization of the road from High School area to Oja Wazo. He stated that once construction begins, all containers and informal structures along the roadside will be removed. “Kabiyesi has advised everyone doing business along that roadside to act wisely and relocate quickly to the Oja Wazo Market before the removal begins,” a palace aide revealed. The king envisions a city where traders from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, and other major cities can meet to buy, sell, and trade freely in Ogbomoso.
In addition, the monarch urged residents and investors to begin acquiring shops in Oja Wazo, describing it as the future center of trade and enterprise in the town. “People should start acquiring shops now,” he advised, signaling the urgency of embracing the city’s growth trajectory.
Oba Olaoye also declared that the days of using vague descriptions to locate addresses in Ogbomoso are coming to an end. He announced plans to begin naming all streets in the town, with residents expected to sponsor their own street names. Using himself as an example, he stated that he would name a street after his father. “We no longer want to describe places in Ogbomoso by saying, ‘I’m going to where Iya puff puff lives,’ or ‘near the vulcanizer.’ We want to put an end to that kind of description in Ogbomosoland,” the monarch emphasized.
Speaking at a town hall meeting held at Anglican Grammar School, the Soun reminded the people of the importance of preserving the town’s dignity and structure. “Ogbomoso must become a model city, organized and attractive to both locals and outsiders,” he said. The meeting brought together traditional leaders, local government officials, and community stakeholders to discuss progress, unity, and transformation.
Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye also spoke passionately about the role of traditional leadership in modern governance. He stated firmly, “There is no political post that is above my post as the Soun of Ogbomoso. If I’m to choose, I will pick being the Soun over being the Governor of Oyo State, even above being the President of Nigeria.” He emphasized the sacred nature of the throne, describing it as a seat of honor, history, and great responsibility.
In his usual candid tone, the monarch addressed the issue of chieftaincy titles. He warned against attempting to buy titles with money, stating instead that the real price of a title is development. “Don’t give me money directly to become a chief in Ogbomoso. That’s not how we do it. But if you are ready to build something tangible for the community, the position is for sale, yes, as long as you are ready to develop Ogbomoso. I will tell you what to build,” he said.
Oba Olaoye also paid tribute to the late former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, on the occasion of his 75th posthumous birthday. He described Alao-Akala as a great man whom he regrettably never had the opportunity to meet in person but admired from afar for his contributions to Oyo State and Ogbomosoland.
With determination and clarity of purpose, the Soun of Ogbomosoland is steadily building momentum around a shared vision of peace, progress, and prosperity. Under his reign, the ancient city of Ogbomoso is being redefined not just as a historical landmark, but as a beacon of structured urban development and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
