Coastal NEWS

The Olu of Igodan-Lisa/Okunmo, Oba Paul Abiodun Akinsola has said that the siting of the Ondo State Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) in his domain is a divine work of God and such no human can stop it.

He spoke with the Coastal News Editor, Bolarinwa Olagbegi, about the university project and other issues. Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Q: Can we meet you, sir?

A: I am Oba Alayeluwa Paul Abiodun Akinsola, the Olu of Igodan-Lisa/Okunmo Kingdom.

Q: Since when have you been on the throne?

A: I have been on the throne of the Olu since March 2003. Though, I have been the Lisa which was the highest traditional title in the Kingdom since 1993/1994.

Q: So you are the first person to ascend the throne of the Olu?

A: Yes, we never had an Oba until I became the Olu in 2003.

Q: What is the relationship between your neighbours – Erinje and Igbodigo?

A: Igodan-Lisa and Erinje used to be under the same kingdom but not related historically. They came to meet our forefathers in the place they currently occupy. Our own forefathers came from Igbodigo.

Q: How did you react to the news that OSUSTECH was going to be sited in your domain?

A: About 4 or 5 years ago when there was move towards citing a university in the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State, we went to pray. Since my domain is in the Southern Senatorial District, I put my request to God that my kingdom should become the university town.

The government raised some officials to choose a suitable site for the university in the Ondo South. When these people came, they met with Obas and other stakeholders. I told the gathering that Igodan-Lisa/Okunmo is suitable for the university because it’s peaceful its land is plane and not rocky and the site is going to be along the road from Okitipupa to Igbokoda. I told them that government would not have to spend billions of Naira on mere preparation of the land for construction work.

These people later went but only got to Akure to suggest Okitipupa or Igbotako and refused to say much about Igodan-Lisa/Okunmo. Fortunately, the government asked them to go back and better assess Igodan-Lisa/Okunmo. One day, I just saw about ten vehicles parked outside my palace. The VC came and introduced himself and other officials with him. I told them I was shocked that I was not notified of their coming beforehand. He apologized and said they have come to assess my land it its suitable for the university.

Immediately, I raised 5 chiefs to conduct them round the proposed site which is between our borders with Igbokoda and Igbodigo. I want to say that our land is city set on the mountain, it cannot be hidden.

After they went back, we continued our prayers. Not too long after that time the news came that Igodan-Lisa/Okunmo had been chosen as the university town.

It’s a divine arrangement. It’s the work of the God Almighty, the Omnipotent and the Omniscient.

Q: Since the last administration of Dr. Olusegun Agagu left office, there have been rumours and speculations hovering around the university. What factual information can you give us about the university?

A: Works on the site actually stopped at a time and no money coming for the projects. We hear of petty rumours. We had to call the attention of the governor and the parliamentarians to it. Like I have earlier said, the university is divine, nobody can stop it. However, we have been authoritatively informed by a reliable source that construction works will soon continue and academic activities will take off in September. They will start academic work with few faculties this year September.

Q: What is your assessment of current administration in the State?

A: There is no government in Nigeria. We have to call on our Creator, for guidance and protection. Can you imagine a situation where a president is sick and the wife assumes power.

Q: What has the experience of been a monarch like?

A: It has not been all rosy. You have to be humble, patient and pray for God’s wisdom.

Q: We almost forget to ask about your background. Can you briefly tell us?

A: I only read little. I completed my Standard 6 in 1949. I was the first in the final exams in then entire Okitipupa Division.

In 1950, I was disqualified to teach because of height. They said I was too short. I had to report the unfair treatment to higher authorities before I was later allowed to teach. I later went to Wesley College. I only spent 1year in the school because of lack of fund. I was doning some petty jobs, like farming and some other petty trading to see myself through the Standard 6. This became impossible when I gained admission into Wesley College. I completed my Standard 6 with aid of classmates who were lending me their books.

I came back to take exams to become a Forest Guard. In the exams again, I was the first in the whole Okitipupa Division. I was surprisingly denied employment. They said I was underage. I was advised to petition the authorities of the Guard who we heard had taken bribe to employ some people who were not even qualified.

I tendered my petition to W. Smith and J.D Smith who were the District and the Assistant District Officers respectively. They stopped all employments and said I must be employed first. I got the job and was doing up till when I retired in 1986.

Q: You have traveled a lot. Can you tell us about it?

A: Yes, I have traveled a lot. I have traveled to many parts of Nigeria as a Forest Guard.

Outside the country, I traveled to Frankfurt, Germany in July/August 2008. I have traveled to the US, Jerusaslem and Israel. I spent 5months in Egypt. If not that I was not disposed when my visa was ready, I should be in the UK by now. I hope to go back to Jerusalem, very soon. From there, I will go to Dubai.

Q: Who went with you in those journeys abroad?

A: I went alone. All my journeys were self sponsored apart from the one to Jerusalem.

Q: What is your advice to the government and politicians?

A: They should not pull themselves down because of positions. Nobody climbs and sees all. Everybody has his time. They should strive to be in politics not for their personal benefits alone but for the development of the people.

Q: What is your advice to Ikale abroad?

A: They should bring civilization which they have had over there back home. They should know that poverty is ravaging here. They should come up with ideas that will develop Ikale land and its people.

I will also personally commend the effort of this Online Coastal News. The idea is completely new in the whole of Ikale, Ilaje, Apoi and Ijaw lands. It deserves the support of all the sons and daughters of these lands home and abroad.