Prayers sufficient to fight Nigeria’s insecurity — Olu of Agbegise
Olu of Agbegise kingdom in Ifo local government area of Ogun State, Oba Dr. Joseph Adesina Ikudayisi, on Monday clocked three years on the throne of his forefathers. In this interview with ABIMBOLA ABATTA AND AYOOLA FLORENCE, the monarch spoke on his interventions in tackling some of the challenges bedevilling the town since he ascended the throne. He also called on the State government to support the ongoing projects in the town, which are aimed at improving the standard of living of the residents.
For the benefits of our readers, kindly tell us the purpose of this gathering.
Today makes it exactly three years since I ascended the throne of my fathers. And this is just the beginning for me. By God’s grace, I will still count thirty years on the throne. So, to appreciate the gods of our land for their faithfulness, we are holding a mini prayer. The main celebration will come up in November, where people from near and afar will come and celebrate with me and appreciate God.
In the last three years since you ascended the throne, what are the achievements you have brought to the town of Agbegise?
When I wanted to become the king of this kingdom, there was no palace. We had no electricity, road, or water. But now, we have these basic infrastructure. I facilitated the construction of the bridge over the river in the town. We often pass through the river to the bush of our king. There are other projects and intervention programmes that are currently ongoing in the town. Our health care centre, for instance, is currently under construction. The same as the market. We are not through with the construction of the police station. Our school project, which include the primary and secondary sections, is still ongoing. Our mini plaza is there as well as the Agbegise filling station. And I pray to our ancestors that before September, all the projects would have been completed.
Is there any way the government is helping you on these ongoing projects?
They’ve not come, but they will still come. Nothing has been heard or seen from them since they promised us. To be honest, they are supporting us in some ways, however the support is not enough. For instance, Agbegise town has been included in the gazette of the Ogun State government. Unlike before where this town was not known to the government, we have been recognised. But the government can still do more for us.
On the insecurity issue in Nigeria, what do you think the government can do to tackle it? Also, how can you and other traditional rulers step up to the situation?
Prayer is the only way out. And those working should get more to do. If one has a good work, they won’t have the time to cause trouble around. And my prayer is that the reward of our work will be sufficient for us. It is not too much to have about two to three sources of income at hand. Someone who goes to work at 5a.m. and comes home at 7p.m. will go to bed straight after having a bath. Such a person won’t have time to forment trouble or engage in criminal activities. This will definitely reduce the security issues.
Sometimes in 2020, you wrote a petition to the CP in Ogun state concerning land grabbers. Has there been any recent reoccurrence regarding that?
Thank you! Ah, I have chased them far away. Some of them have changed and have now become citizens and residents of our town. They now live with me. I rehabilitated them. And if anyone tries anything again, I will call on the support of security agencies again. But then, the battle that God has won for us shall no longer prevail.
Regarding the forthcoming election in Nigeria, what kind of attributes do you think the winner must possess that will help to ensure that Nigeria becomes giant of Africa in actions?
Well, I am a king. I am not a politician. So anyone that wins is my choice. I only follow the winner. If any party comes, I will say thank you and welcome them because this is a palace. But then, I will only follow whoever wins whether it is Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo. Besides, the aspirants can’t all become presidents at once just as there can’t be two kings in a kingdom. They are all in a race.
On the clamour for secession by the Yoruba nation and IPOB agitators, do you think going our separate ways will help us as a nation? What is your take on it?
May God continue to direct us on the right path. And my prayer is that the nation will not be scattered but that God will do his best in our land. If secession is God’s best that will help us, then so be it and if not, so be it too.
What are other challenges facing this town?
There is no living person who has no challenges. However, God is the only one who can teach us. I thank God that the heaven is in charge of everything here. Things are going smoothly on a general basis. And for us here, despite not being perfect, God has always been helping us. However, we still need assistance. All we ask is for the government to support us more financially.
