Peter Uzoho
Apomu Descendants’ Union (ADU), an association of people of Apomu Kingdom resident at home and in the diaspora, has been formed for the development of the kingdom.
The union formed last weekend at the stakeholders meeting of Alapomu Royal Trumpet, is saddled with the responsibility of developing and protecting the socio-economic interests of the ancient kingdom.
Membership of ADU spans across all professions and it is designed to unify all other unions and bodies within the kingdom.
According to a communiqué at the end of their meeting held at Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan, over 100 members were in attendance including Oba Kayode Afolabi of Apomu and his wife, Janet; amongst other political and traditional leaders.
The Apomu indigenes at the meeting selected and inaugurated ADU’s pioneer executive members to serve for initial term of two years.
They include: Chief Abass Soliu, President-General; Dr Tesleem Asafa, Secretary-General; Olori Esther Falabi, Treasurer; Mr. Mukaila Olaniyan, Financial Secretary; Olagoke Odetunde, Chief Whip; and Waheed Oladejo, Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Earlier in his opening address, Afolabi described the meeting as a turning point and rebirth of Apomu, urging all Apomu descendants at home and in diaspora to consider the formation of ADU as a call to duty.
The guest lecturer and Professor of History at the Osun State University, Siyan Oyeweso, who went down memory lane, said Apomu was historically a centre of commerce.
Oyeweso, who spoke on the topic: “Apomu Today and Tomorrow: Its Education, Economy and Infrastructure”, called for an urgent development of international markets and event centres within the vast area of land linking Apomu to Ibadan-Ife Express road.
Oyeweso also proposed the development of an urgent education policy for the ancient kingdom to enable the utilisation of admission quota at UNIOSUN and take up available scholarship opportunities like Adeleke Scholarship, among others.
He also advocated for constitutional imamship for the central mosque and effective coordination of Apomu indigenes both professionals and non-professionals.
In his remarks, Asiwaju of Apomu Kingdom, Alhaji Olaitan Alabi advised all members to rise to the occasion, accept responsibilities and support the monarch to raise Apomu to an enviable position.
He proposed popularisation of Apomu Anthem, memorable coronation anniversary, as well as the coordination of all unions and bodies in Apomu Kingdom among others.
