Osogbo Youths Visit Muniru Raji, Seek Unity, Development Ahead of 2030

Osogbo Youths Visit Muniru Raji, Seek Unity, Development Ahead of 2030

The Executive Members of the Osogbo Progressive Youth Movement (OPYM) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to renowned political leader and freedom fighter, Alhaji Muniru Raji, at his residence in Ido-Osun, where he charged Osogbo youths to remain united, principled, and focused on the collective development of the ancient town.

The visit, which held in a warm and family-like atmosphere, began with an opening prayer before Alhaji Raji addressed the delegation. He reflected on his long political journey, noting that his past disagreements with some Osogbo indigenes stemmed from his refusal to compromise the truth.

He lamented what he described as foundational governance failures but expressed optimism that Osogbo youths are now rising to take responsibility for the town’s progress. He recounted his role, alongside notable Osogbo sons including the late Ajadi Badmus, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (SAN), the Osogbo monarch, and others, in facilitating the relocation of the Nigerian Air Force Base to Osogbo.

Alhaji Raji particularly appreciated the Layiokun family for donating land for the Air Force Base and acknowledged the contributions of retired Air Marshal Amoo, describing him as a proud son of Osogbo.

Speaking further, he decried what he termed inadequate federal representation and appointments for Osogbo in the past, adding that some beneficiaries of political appointments failed to use their positions to empower Osogbo indigenes, choosing instead to favour personal associates.

READ ALSO:

• 18 Senegalese Held Over AFCON Match Begin Hunger Strike
• Turaki-Led PDP NWC Rejects Move to Reopen Wadata Plaza for Wike Allies
• National Prayer Breakfast: Trump Vows Tough Response to Anti-Christian Violence

The elder statesman disclosed that he had been closely monitoring OPYM and was impressed by the movement’s composition of self-reliant youths with genuine love for Osogbo. He warned the Executive against selling their loyalty to politicians or following any political leader blindly.

Alhaji Raji also narrated how he resisted the appointment of a non-indigene as Caretaker Chairman of Osogbo, stating that he confronted top party leaders and was prepared to resign his political appointment if the decision was not reversed. According to him, the intervention eventually led to the reinstatement of an Osogbo indigene.

He commended Honourable Teslim Igbalaye for his contributions to Osogbo’s development, citing employment opportunities secured for Osogbo indigenes at the University of Ilesa and Osun State University (UNIOSUN). He also spoke on efforts, alongside the traditional ruler, that led to the appointment of Dr. Kamoru Kadiri, an Osogbo indigene, as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, highlighting the rector’s developmental contributions to Osogbo.

The former political appointee further praised Mrs. Titilaoye Tomori, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, for her role in uplifting Osogbo indigenes, noting that she recently facilitated employment opportunities for some youths from the town.

Charging OPYM to expand its membership base, Alhaji Raji urged the movement to mobilize influential, wealthy, and professional Osogbo indigenes across the globe, stressing that unity remains key to achieving meaningful development.

In his concluding remarks, he revealed ongoing efforts to produce an Osogbo indigene as Governor of Osun State by 2030, stating that opportunities would exist within the two major political parties to actualize the goal through collective action. He added that while he plans to retire from active politics next year, he would continue to advocate for Osogbo’s development.

During an interactive session, questions were raised on the absence of a bold “Osogbo” inscription at the State Secretariat. Alhaji Raji explained that the task had been completed to about 75 percent, noting that official state letterheads now carry the inscription, “Osun State Secretariat, Gbongan Road, Osogbo.”

He also addressed concerns on land disputes involving Osogbo, clarifying that the boundary issue with Ede covers only a few metres, while that with Iragbiji spans several kilometres. He described the issuance of Staff of Office to the Alabeere by an Osogbo indigene as unfortunate, adding that he would have rejected such action if he were in office.

Responding on behalf of OPYM, the President of the movement praised Alhaji Muniru Raji for his lifelong dedication to Osogbo’s progress, describing him as a role model and a foremost advocate for the town’s development.

The meeting, described as non-partisan and family-oriented, ended with a call for unity, love, and focus among Osogbo youths, regardless of political affiliations, and concluded with a closing prayer at about 11:00 p.m.

Osogbo Youths Visit Muniru Raji, Seek Unity, Development Ahead of 2030