Arigidi Leaders of Thought is a foremost body of the sons and daughters of Arigidi Akoko in various fields of human endeavours around the world.
We want use this medium to call on the governor of Ondo State; security operatives in the state and all stakeholders call Pastor TB Joshua of the Synagogue of all Nations and his agents to order and allow the prevailing peace in Arigidi Akoko to continue.
It is important at this juncture to bring to your attention some of the unwholesome activities of Pastor Joshua and his agents in the last five years in Arigidi Akoko.
Shortly after transition of the former king into eternity, two prominent princes, among others, showed their interest to succeed the late king.
The two are the incumbent, Oba Yisa Olanipekun and Prince Tunde Olanipekun, who is a member of Pastor Joshua’ church.
After a thorough and profound selection process, the kingmakers settled for Oba Yisa Olanipekun with a vote of nine out of fourteen (9-14).
Despite several appeals from notable indigenes of the town, agents of Pastor Joshua has continued to cause trouble in the town, with their vow to make Arigidi ungovernable for Oba Olanipekun.
Though the substantive case has been resolved in favour of Oba Olanipekun, these people have refused to let go, consistently causing one form of trouble or another.
The latest was last week when a group of war mongers decided to celebrate their own traditional Ajagbo festival, long after the traditional festival, which is traditionally held in the month of September, has ended.
Expectedly, it led to trouble and a serious breach of peace, as those opposed to the desecration of the town’s age long tradition stood up to stop the abominable act.
It took God’s grace and the wisdom of some leaders in the town to avert what may have been a bloodshed. We are particularly surprised with the actions and antics of Pastor Joshua and these people since the installation of Kabiyesi Oba Yisa Olanipekun.
It is surprising that instead of using his good office as a prominent son of the town to attract development to Arigidi Akoko like other religious leaders have done with their homestead; it has been one trouble or the other, mostly traceable to these same people.
We are aware that Pastor David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel has used his position to transform his hometown into an enviable position in Kwara State.
It is the same with other foremost men of God, whose good deeds have rubbed off on their place of birth.
It is no surprise that Arigidi Akoko has failed to witness any tangible development, because these people have sworn to ensure that no form of development comes to the town.
But as concerned leaders, we want to appeal to all concerned to sheath their sword and join hands with Oba Olanipekun to develop our common heritage.
We have no other place to call our home, and therefore, we should know that generations yet unborn will not forgive anybody, no matter how remotely connected he or she is to the disturbance of peace and development of Arigidi Akoko.
While we appeal to Pastor Joshua and others in the different camps, we also want to call on all security agencies in Ondo State, especially the police, to ensure that they do their job without any form of bias.
We are aware that there is a form of connivance between these people and the people, and would therefore want to urge the Inspector General of Police to call his men to order in this matter.
In furtherance of their evil plot to cause chaos in Arigidi Akoko, Prince Tunde Olanipekun, yesterday addressed a press conference, during which he called on Oba Yisa Olanipekun to stop parading himself as the Zaki of Arigidi.
He informed the press that he has instituted a suit at the state high court.
To our understanding, this is nothing but a devilish plot to cause mayhem in the town. It is on record that only last September, judgment was given in favour of ObaYisa Olanipekun in the substantive case.
On this note, we want to appeal to the judiciary not to allow itself to be hoodwinked into issuing any form of ruling that may amount to abuse of judicial process, especially in matters that have to do with traditional matter.
It is actions like this that have turned brothers against one another in most Yoruba towns.
But we appeal for common sense to prevail in this matter, so that our precious motherland is not turned into a land where brothers will no longer relate with one another.

Thank you

Signed.
Chief Owadokun Olufemi Lawson Chief Bola Olutayo
Chairman Secreatary
Arigidi Leaders of Thought. Arigidi Leaders of Thought.