In a rare show of forgiveness, Oba-elect of Odo-Nla kingdom, Ikorodu-Lagos, Alhaji Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi, has dropped the criminal charges of petty stealing and conspiracy to steal against Adesoji Omolaja and Idris Mukaila, both labourers at the building construction site of Iledi Osugbo (Traditional Court) of Odo-Nla.

Both workers were arrested by the Ikorodu police on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and were billed to appear before the Magistrates Court, Ikorodu Division on Friday, September 8, but the United Kingdom-based astute businessman and philanthropist granted them amnesty that morning.

In a statement made available to the press, Olowolekomoh said the reason for the amnesty was borne out of the desire to give the duo a second chance to turn a new leaf.

“As Oba-elect, every Odo-Nla son and daughter are his kindred and as such, there is an African proverb that says that you beat a child with one hand, and use the other hand to draw him closer. Against this backdrop, it is pertinent to give them a second chance in life to live a better life,” the statement explained.

The Iledi Oshugbo building is among other projects the Oba-elect is undertaking as part of the activities leading to his coronation as Fuwagbade of Odo-Nla Kingdom.

Just recently, Olowolekomoh completed the second mega water project at the Oshugbo area of the town.

It will be recalled that the first water project in the ‘Water for Life’ initiative was cited at Ijinla Fraternity (Irele Awo Opa) compound of the Kingdom in 2020.

Otunba David Afolabi Ekiyoyo, the Olootu Omooba Meta of Odo Nla, at the commissioning ceremony, described the occasion as a historic moment in the lives of all indigenes and strangers living in Odo-Nla kingdom.

“The importance of water in the lives of the people cannot be over emphasised, and that is the reason Odo-Nla people sincerely believe that we made the right decision in choosing Alhaji (Prince) Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh as the rightful candidate to be our Oba,” Ekiyoyo said.

Ekiyoyo recalled that long before the resuscitation of the Obaship of Odo Nla, Olowolekomoh had never turned his back on the land and the people.

“If we start naming some of the projects he had single handedly sponsored in this kingdom dating back to two decades ago, we may not leave here today. So, on behalf of the Omo’ba Meta Royal family and the entire people of Odo-Nla, we say thank you and may your reign be long and fruitful,” he added.

Olowolekomoh, who was represented by Ekiyoyo, also said: “It is no doubt a delightful experience to watch the events leading to the commissioning of the Odo-Nla Community Phase 2 Mega Water Project at Oshugbo area of the town for our people whose welfare has always taken a paramount place in my heart over the ages.

“Essentially, I cannot at this point begin to emphasise that community projects like this are just a snippets of series of life-changing charitable initiatives that are lined up for developments to raise the quality of lives and aspirations of every individual and household domiciled in our kingdom in the context of a new deal for the enviable future before us. I use this opportunity to appreciate the cooperation of the Omo’ba Meta Royal family of Odonla, Fidipote Royal Descendants of Ijebu Ode and other critical stakeholders of Odo-Nla in ensuring a speedy delivery of this facility. Together, we can achieve greater things than these in the spirits of oneness, supports and solidarity with which we have come this far and going forward as an indivisible Kingdom.”

So, it was against this background that the Oba-elect was pained that a son of the soil accompanied by a non-indigene conspired to sabotage the ongoing Iledi Osugbo Traditional Court building project by stealing cements, blocks and other items meant for the construction of the project.

“Our Oba-elect is a man with a forgiving heart; that is why they are being pardoned today”, Ekiyoyo said when the suspects were brought to the home of the family head.

Ekiyoyo berated the two suspects and made them write an undertaking never to get involved in such criminal act again.

“But if you choose not to turn a new leaf after this experience, you will spend a long time in prison if you get caught again”, he said.

Olowolekomoh who called in on the telephone from the UK also admonished the duo on how to live a better life going forward. “You are working and getting paid for what you do, so why attempt to steal?” he queried.

He praised the efforts of Ikorodu police, particularly the Sagamu Road Police Division, for swinging into action on time and getting the two suspects arrested even as he called on the force to continue doing the best to keep the Odo-Nla community society safe from criminal elements.

“On our part as Odo-Nla Kingdom, we will continue to partner with the police to ensure that our society is clean and devoid of crime before and on ascension to the throne of my forefathers. I will ensure that we work closely with the police to make our society crime free.

As for Adesoji Omolaja and Idris Mukaila, go and sin no more, as this is your last chance. If you do not learn from this experience, then, it is unfortunate because you may not be so lucky next time,” he added.

The Oba-elect assured that his coronation would happen very soon, saying the major hurdle created by man has been surmounted. (The Guardian)

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