Alhaji Abass Oloko, one of the prominent Mogajis in Ibadan, has chided the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, for not honouring some non-indigenes who he said are more qualified to be awarded ‘Most Distinguished Friends of Ibadan.’
Oloko, who is vice chairman of the Oyo State Tourism Board, was reacting to the award given by CCII to youth and sports development minister minister, Mr. Sunday Dare, last weekend.
Expressing anger, the popular socialite said that people like the deputy governor, Engr. Raufu Olaniyan, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, Sen. Hosea Ayoola Alleluyah and others are non-indigenes who have contributed more to Ibadan than the minister who just got acquainted with the capital city three years ago.
According to him, “Engr Raufu Olaniyan has been in Ibadan for close to four decades. Apart from rising to permanent secretary level, his construction companies have created many jobs in the city. His hostel is there at NISER has two hundred rooms. He is about to start another one not far from UI. He has several other properties scattered around Ibadan. Prof Adeolu Akande has assisted many of our people with employment and other things. The same can be said about Sen. Sunmonu and that is why you see many people around her. Sen. Alleluyah has hospitality business scattered around town. He is into bottled water production and many more. Tell me why they don’t deserve CCII awards?
Oloko, who said he does not have anything against the Ogbomoso-born minister, explained that the leadership CCII needs to retrace their steps and do what is right.
“I am a proud Ibadanman. And I am not happy with what is happening. If it must have anything to do with the minister, it must be to advise him to use his position to assist people and bring development to the state,” Oloko added.
