Former Member House of representative represented Ondo East/ West Federal constituency, Honourable Dr. Joseph Akinlaja has dedicated the Peace Award bestowed in him by the Osun, Otalupe,Oke OPA,Bolaji and Adaja Communities of Ward 5 in Ondo East local government to the development of the entire Ondo kingdom.
Akinlaja in his acceptance speech at the award ceremony held at Akiavic Event Hall, In Ondo City, said the Award was received through the process of secure land tenure that would stimulate and instil confidence in Ondo kingdom indigenes and residents to the point of encouraging them to establish companies, Agriculture and housing projects.
According to him, It is my great pleasure to accept this beautiful award on behalf of myself my family and well wishers.
He said : “People may ask me why do you most times engage yourself in the dangerous battles against land grabbing and also fight for the poor and the oppressed at my personal risks? My answer to them is that that was how I was wired by God Almighty and also that the prayers of the poor and the less privileged is with me and all those who are genuinely interested in the development of Ondo Kingdom.”
” At this point, I must most sincely thank and appreciate Hon. Moyinoluwa Ogunwumiju for his bill against land grabbing in Ondo State which have been enacted into law. Hon.Ogunwumiju is a law maker after my heart. God Almighty will bless him for us.”
“Honestly speaking the progress and development of Ondo is my preoccupation since my adult life. I left Ondo for Lagos at the age of 20 years for Higher education and greener pasture. God Almighty answered my prayers from Grass to Grace. So my first major establishment (Akiavic Blue Roof Hotel) I established in Ondo my place of birth with an enduring Cyber Café as a social service.”
“Secondly, I observed that thousand of our youths are graduating every year, if there is no peaceful land Tenure, who will build houses, establish companies where they would work? Some of them qualify as Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Architect, Building Engineer etc, without construction work due to land grabbing frustration of investors how would they practice their profession?”
“That is why I believe that taking those risks was worth my while. I am also encouraged by the support I have from The Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo Jillo III and the Osemawe-in-Council.
The youths of Ondo Kingdom were also with me in prayers and in solidarity.”
“Drawing from the foregoing, when the news broke in December 2023 that communal crisis erupted at communities at OKE-OPA ward 5 Ondo East Local Government and a committee of three chaired by Chief Julius Olubusade The Ayadi of Ondo Kingdom, myself and Chief Agbakin I saw that as another opportunity to serve my people.”
“We found out that the dispute was deep and have even gone to High Court since the year 1973 progressed to the court of Appeal and even to Supreme Court.”
“This dispute involves five communities at different levels. Even it led to demolition of seventy village houses including that of the father of our revered Late Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom Oba Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye. “
“The peace we are celebrating today is from God Almighty intervention using us
undauntedly as vehicle unto peace. May His name be praised. It is interesting to note that in spite of all my commitment, fiscal, financial and personal pains I do not have any personal stake like land, cocoa, or palm tree farm in any of the communities, I am only committed to peace that would lead to progress and community development of Ondo Kingdom – my vision and mission.”
“My gratitude goes to the Osemawe and paramount Ruler of Ondo kingdom Oba
Victor Adesimbo Ademefun Kiladejo Jilo III, High Chief Ambrose Akinsade, the
Jomu Oyaan Luda, All the High Chief using High Chief Lisa S.O. Oguntimehin as the point of contact to others, I on behalf of all other Awardee’s express our appreciation to the five communities as we wish them continuous peace without any rancor again and also those of you here that have left your busy schedules to honour us.”
Thank you all as I wish you safe journey back home to your families.”
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