ABEOKUTA – A former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has called on members of the Ataba family to maintain love and unity, describing cordiality as the foundation for collective progress.
Chief Osoba made the call during the dedication of the newly constructed Ataba family house in Ago-Oba, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He emphasized that the family could only advance in an atmosphere of mutual affection and peace.
The former governor, who holds the title of Akinrogun of Egbaland, explained that the original family house was largely demolished during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun to make way for public infrastructure developments.
He stated that since the demolition, which left less than a quarter of the old building standing, he had committed to building a modern structure for the family. Chief Osoba expressed satisfaction that the legacy of the Ataba family had been preserved in a modern form within Ago-Oba, Abeokuta, and Ogun State.
Earlier in the program, the head of the family, Chief Gbolahan Shokunbi, thanked Chief Osoba for financing the project and turning the family’s dream into a reality.
Similarly, a member of the family and former Managing Director of WAPCO Lafarge Plc, Chief Ranti Shokunbi, commended Chief Osoba for his consistent support, describing him as a central pillar holding the family together.
In his sermon, the Vicar in charge of St. Michael’s Anglican Church Archdeaconry, Ago-Oba, Venerable Dr. Olayeni, urged the attendees to remain steadfast in their faith, noting that God is the provider of all things. He also advised the family members to stay focused, dedicated, and spiritually committed.
The event drew prominent family members and dignitaries from various sectors.
Among the family members present were Chief Osoba; Chief Ranti Shokunbi; the Director of Hospital Services at the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Solomon Shokunbi; and a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wole Shokunbi.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the former Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Primate Jasper Akinola; the Olu of Owode, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo; and the Olu of Oba in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, Oba Ganiyu Adegun.
