As part of efforts to rally collective support for his ambitious 25-year development vision, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, has held a town hall meeting with residents of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The engagement was part of a series of town hall meetings designed to involve residents across the five local government areas of Ogbomosoland in shaping what the monarch has termed the ‘Greater Ogbomoso’ Agenda.
This grassroots consultation followed the first meeting held on Thursday, June 12, at the Lagbami Osekun Civic Centre in Ogbomoso South, where Oba Olaoye first outlined his long-term vision to transform the ancient town into a model city with inclusive development across key sectors.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant to Oba Olaoye on Media and Community Relations, Peter Olaleye, the Soun was determined to “carry every stakeholder in the Ogbomoso project along in order to give it the necessary push and vim.”
Oba Olaoye, who has been consulting with the elite and professionals through various platforms, believed now was the time to bring everyone, especially those at the grassroots, into the conversation.
“Since he believes everyone has a role to play, he has decided to engage the generality of the people to accommodate diverse ideas, opinions and inputs towards strengthening the agenda, and to foster unity and cooperation,” Olaleye noted.
The town hall series is aimed at providing a platform where citizens can freely engage the monarch, ask questions, offer suggestions, and take ownership of the developmental blueprint.
The 25-year master plan, unveiled by the Soun earlier this year, was already yielding early results, according to aides close to the palace. It covers critical areas, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, technology, and youth empowerment.
Wednesday’s meeting is expected to draw traditional leaders, community heads, youth groups, traders, artisans, and non-indigenes who have made Ogbomoso their home.
In a message to residents, the palace emphasised the importance of unity and participation.
“If we don’t chart the path forward, it’s doubtful if anyone would do it for us. Let’s strive together to turn our fortune around for the better,” the statement read.
Further dates for meetings in Surulere, Oriire, and Ogo-Oluwa local government areas of Ogbomosoland will be communicated in due course.
Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, widely praised for his modern and inclusive leadership style, has reiterated his commitment to building a future-ready Ogbomoso that reflects the town’s rich heritage and evolving aspirations.
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