A much celebrated Professor of Law and one time Lagos State University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Adjigun Fagbohun, has charged all Aworis who are at loggerheads with one another to withdraw all case files from court and settle one another amicably.
Prof. Fagbohun said this on Thursday during the 2nd Annual Awori Summit titled, “Projecting Awori Image in Nation-Building” which was held at OPIC events centre in Isheri Olofin.
Speaking on the theme of the event, Prof. Fagbohun argued that there was no way Awori, which is a sub ethnic group in Nigeria; would take its rightful place in Nigeria if there is no unity and sincerity of purpose among and within all Awori communities.
“When third-party instigates disunity among us, he does that in order to get a window to come in and ruin everything. If Awori is displaced in Lagos State today, those in Ogun State will feel the brunt and vice-versa because we are all one. Hence when Ogun State is struggling for something that concerns Awori, those in Lagos State must unite with them to get it and same must be done when Lagos state is doing same.”
He further stressed that vital documents which are scattered everywhere in court rooms can be used against the Awori community at a later time.
“If all Awori Obas and Political leaders do not earnestly do something about this document, it will destroy the Awori race.”
He reiterated the need for unity within before embarking on nation-building while likening ‘Awori to a house divided against itself. He cited an Intelligence Report on the Aworis written in 1935 by an Anthropologist, W.G Wormalin, who said, “their lack of figure and unity seems to have combined with the unfavourable nature of their habitat to render them a ‘poor’ lot from the breeding point of view with the exception of those of them within the region of Lagos from earliest time to date.”
Professor Fagbohun highlighted the character flaws of Awori that has resulted in being perceived as minority in the nation, some of which are; distortion of Awori history, lack of resilience, quick loss of interest in major matters and lack of unity majorly amongst the traditional rulers in Awori. He emphasised that when there is unity, then there can be major impact and contributions in the nation which would inadvertently lead to the projection of the Awori image, in a good light.
He charged stakeholders as well as all indigenes of Awori land with the task of changing the perception that has been around for eighty-nine years, he stated the need for empowerment and inclusiveness of the youths in major matters. According to him, the convergence of the old and the new will be highly beneficial to the whole community as the new generation has knowledge of technology in way that the old generation do not and this can be highly leveraged upon.
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele in her own address, stated that, “through unity and collaboration, we can project a united Awori front in our contribution to nation-building.
“Together, we must ensure that we Aworis play a pivotal role in the development of Nigeria now and for generations to come.”
The Convener, Olofin of Isheri, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade (Ayodele III), while giving a royal remark on the theme, ‘Projecting the Awori Image in Nation-building’, emphasized that it was about time Awori took up her role in nation-building and also for all Awori sons and daughters to reflect on the heritage. He used the opportunity to announce his emergence as the Assistant Secretary, Southwestern Traditional Rulers Council. VOA News Report.
To achieve the objectives of the Summit, renowned and illustrious sons and daughters of the soil were tasked with discussing topical issues that correlate to the theme of the Summit.
Hon. Oladotun Olakanle, the Chairman of Onigbongbo LGA in Lagos State, spoke on Action Plans for Political Representation of Awori at all levels of governance.
Hon. Sule Tolani, the Lagos State Commissioner of Tertiary Education discussed ‘Youth Inclusiveness, Empowerment and Promotion of Educational Scholarship Programs’.
Mrs. Toke Benson, reiterated on Promoting Awori Culture and Creating Awori Core Values in Nigeria.
Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako spoke on Design and Implementation Strategies for the Promotion of Awori Corporate Image in Nigeria and Beyond.
Another University Don, Dr. Chief Mrs. Aminat Ige discussed ‘Information Technology and Youth-Inclusive Policy in Political Representation’.
People’s Democratic Candidate’s in the 2023 Gubernatorial elections in Lagos state, Hon. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), spoke on Motivation for Youth Participation in Politics at the grassroots, state and national levels.
The Chairman, Planning Committee of the event, Alhaji Abdul-Semiu Olusola Yusuf, who doubled as the Baba Adinni of Olusosun Central Mosque, assured that the Olofin of Isheri did not convene the Summit for ‘superiority sake’, but rather, prosperity that Aworis should take their rightful place in the nation.
Several Awori Obas across Lagos and Ogun States, President of Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria, Asiwaju Mohammed Olagbaye in company of other members of the association were notable amongst Sons and Daughters of Awori land that graced the event.
