ALAAFIN OF OYO NAMES AREGBESOLA “THE OMOLUABI OF YORUBALAND”
-Adebayo Rasheed Mabayoje
A foremost traditional ruler in Nigeria, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Dr. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III has bestowed on the Osun Gobernor, Rauf Aregbesola, the chieftaincy title “Omoluabi of Yoruband” just as he urges the people to pay their taxes for general development of the state.
The Monarch who was at the state house, Osogbo today (Tuesday) stated that Aregbesola has been at the forefront of projecting the “Omoluabi (virtuous) ethos” as entrenched in the Yoruba tradition.
The ‘Ikubabayeye’ as formally addressed, explained that he has always observed the administrative and leadership style of the governor since inception of his administration, saying Ogbeni Aregbesola has always led along the line of a true “Omoluabi” virtues.
The Alaafin who presented a photo compedium and photoframe that he personally signed congratulating the Osun governor on the chieftancy title said “The Yorubas are a people that always instill in their children and the youths all the characters of a responsible and well brought up individual.
“I have studied the leadership style of Aregbesola among all the governors in the country and have discovered that he is the only one whom has, through his leadership style, projected the ethis of ‘Omoluabi’ virtues.
“Aregbesola is a man that breathes responsibility at all times. We have always been hearing of an Omoluabi for a long time and am so happy that we now have a Governor who is leading by example.
“It is a good thing to know we have a person in the calibre of a governor who is portraying the “Omoluabi virtues” to the Nigerian youths”, the Alaafin of Oyo said.
The Royal father also used the opportunity to call on the people to support the Osun government by paying their taxes regularly, stressing that taxation is the most efficient and sure way to give the people good governance.
Oba Adeyemi who lamented the dwindling nature of the federal allocation pointed out that the only way out of current economic logjam in the country is for Nigerians to carry out their civic responsibilities as individuals.
He said, “All over the world, taxation is the way out, for government to be able to conveniently provide for all the amenities and pay salaries conveniently. The people must endeavour to pay their taxes regularly.
“I urge the people of Osun to assist the present administration with the payment of their taxe. The present administration has done so much in terms of provision of social amenities such as construction of good roads, provision of affordable health care facilities, assistance for the aged.
“I also know that the Aregbesola administration also provide free school uniforms as well as feeding the school pupils, something which no government has ever done, not even the federal government.
“If such a government now demands for a tax of just one thousand five hundred naira per individual in a year, I don’t think it’s too much.
“We need to realise that it has come to a stage where government can no longer do it alone, Osun allocation has dropped drastically and government may not be able to pay salaries and provide other amenities again except we show our support through the regular payment of our taxes.
