Ordinarily, there wouldn’t have been a need to respond to this publication, but the fact that the Elulu and Mopa Traditional Council (MTC) were mentioned recklessly, demands that a response is given to put the records straight and put an end to all these shenanigans.
The Elulu of Mopa, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Muyiwa Ibeun, before he became Elulu, chaired Mopa Day exactly 10 years ago and donated generously. The Mopa Welfare Society (MWS), as an association, despite no legal recognition and identification as an incorporated trustee, under Corporate and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20, let alone having a legal Board Of Trustee (BOT), has always been respected by Mopa people and the traditional council because of how its handlers has handled it honorably.
The emergence of Samuel Elere and his activities as Acting President, Mopa Welfare Society, was an attempt to rubbish the good works of our forefathers for the past 81 years.
The youth movement that brought about his emergence hoped at accelerated development. Instead, the over ambitious Samuel Elere seized the opportunity for personal gain for him to become a Chief and contest for the Elulu stool, which is his only achievement as Acting President of MWS.
The Elulu is the custodian of culture, tradition, and norms of Mopa. Therefore, the peace of Mopa and the well-being of the people is of utmost interest to him, and as such, he reserves the power and authority to make declaration(s) on MWS activities.
As contained in Chapter 1 (i) and (j) of MWS by law;
(i), “To co-operate fully with Federal, State, Local Government, Non-Government organisations, persons and publics in establishing and advancing any projects which can enhance the living standard of the people of Mopa and their neighbours.”
(j). “To co-operate with the Elulu of Mopa land and the traditional council in carrying out various developmental projects and directives to Mopa Citizens for the overall interest and benefits of Mopa indigenes.”
Also;
In Chapter 12 (4) and (6) of the MWS Bye Law;
(4) The Elulu of Mopa Land and the Traditional Council will decline to sign or endorse any document for or on behalf of any member or the dependents of any member who fails to present his/her membership obligations to the community including the payment of development levy.
(6) To maintain mutual relationships between society and the traditional council, the society shall consult with the Elulu of Mopaland before any of its activities projects to be carried is inaugurated.
For the umpteenth time, Samuel Elere’s action and inaction is an embarrassment to, and an attempt to indicte and undermine the MTC and Elulu stool.
After the expiration of Samuel Elere’s acting capacity as President of MWS, him and his sponsors were only frustrated that they were stopped from illegal elongation of their supposed tenureship and the hijacking of MWS for selfish interests of few persons, who believed anything in Mopa has to be decided by them.
The MWS BOT of Samuel Elere also victimised all contestants from Oba Ibeun’s Ikeji Community by attempting to screen them out during the election process for no reason, and they also made attempt to cancel the election after their plans failed.
MWS is birthed by the aspirations of Mopa Youth Council in the 40s, they came with heads of clans to meet Oba Ibeun that they will not allow the fate of Mopa to be toyed with by Samuel Elere and his cohorts, past executives and other critical stakeholders were invited and former President of MWS, Barr. Olu Adeeko was agreed to Chair the committee, while Elder Jide Omosaiye, the substantive secretary, for the conclusion of the election. The election was endorsed by Elder Femi Ajimba, the MWS National Secretary.
The election was peaceful, free, and fair, and we have the support of the MTC and the people of Mopa, unlike the inconclusive election that produced Samuel Elere as Acting President to conclude the tenure of Ileteju axis; eventhough he paraded himself as substantive President.
The people of Mopa, via the MTC, granted MWS powers to host and hold Mopa Day on their behalf. Now, the people and MTC, which is superior to MWS, decided to reschedule Mopa Day to December, which it used to be until September 1987. This rescheduled date is not far from ongoing economic realities in the country to give room for better planning and attendance.
The only legitimate BOT and organization recognised by law is the one registered under the Corporate and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20.
Samuel Elere and his illegal BOT do not possess the power to declare election backed by Mopa people, heads of clans, and MTC as invalid, as even his tenure in acting capacity has expired.
We urge the people of Mopa to disregard Samuel Elere’s write up, and see it as part of his many antics to deceitfully reap and manipulate the community.
Signed:
Hon. J.O. Abel-Ontop,
Chief Press Secretary to Elulu.
