Ootunja Sons and Daughters Association ( OSDA) has described the foundation laying ceremony of Ootunja new Oba’s palace as very epochal and historic, for the fact that none of the present generation of Ootunja Sons and Daughters could claim knowledge of when the foundation of the current palace was constructed.
OSDA President , Emeritus Professor Peter Adeniyi who stated this at the Ootunja’s new Oba’s Palace recently, in Ootunja gave various reasons for the return of Ootunja Sons and Daughters to their ancient land.
According to him, the current place inhabited in Ikole “does not define who we are nor represent our values” adding that “the location is an embarrassment “, recalling that the town’s forefathers migrated to Ikole land between 1922 – 1926.
Adeniyi further stressed that the impact of the movement to Ikole land has stunted growth and development of Ootunja town when compared to other villages that did not move to Ikole land.
He gave several examples to buttress his assertion such as schools, market, hospitals etc adding that Ootunja virtually lost everything.
He contended that ’’ in order not to continue to adjust to an uncomfortable situation and to re-establish our identity and dignity as well as create a strategic pathway for a new Ootunja of our dreams, we have decided to return to our own land where no one can intimidate us,treat us as second citizens, prevent our growth and development’’ .
Above all, the former VC of FUTA and Chairman, Governing Council of University of Ado – Ekiti argued that ” We want to create a better environment for our children and children unborn to grow and live”; he added.
