By Olayinka Ajayi

Renown public analyst and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Joseph Abugu, has urged the leadership of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, ROF, to emulate churches and mosques in establishing institutions that would be of benefit to the general public.

Abugu, who was the guest lecturer on Wednesday at the ROF celebrate it’s 101 anniversary in Lagos.

He posited that establishing public institutions like schools, universities, agricultural farming hubs, banks, and micro-financial institutions among others would endear ROF in heart of average Nigerians.

He said, “I am of the view that ROF has a lot of room for expansion and growth. Within the body of Christ, giant strides are being made by the Churches and Mosques in establishing branches, cells, schools, universities, Agricultural farming hubs, banks, micro financial institutions, Cooperatives, ICT development, etc. I believe that in propagating its mandate, the growth must not only be vertical but also horizontal and multi-faceted. That is where the future of the Fraternity lies. The leadership must seek integration into society, particularly the elites and the lofty ideas to impact leadership positively and impactfully. Over the years, admission of professionals into the fraternity has wane. One remembers, with nostalgia, that the first indigenous Chief Justice of the Federation was an Olori Oluwo. In those days, the judiciary, lawyers, law enforcement, accountants, medical doctors and others of notable influence in our society were well represented in the fraternity. This decline may be attributed to the charismatic movement in the body of Christ and the odium now attributed to the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity by Christendom.

“The name ‘Ogbon’ instills primordial fear and many associates the ROF with idolatry, paganism and occultism. The distinction between the ROF and the Ogboni Aboriginal Yoruba cult is not known to many. The fact that the Constitution of the ROF prohibits idolatry is also not known to many. The ROF must embrace the power of technology and media to communicate its values effectively. Its website should become more interactive and widely promoted. The fraternity must also address the misconceptions about its name and activities. Many still associate the ROF with idolatry, paganism, and occultism, failing to recognize the distinction between the ROF and the traditional Yoruba Ogboni society. A public rebranding campaign could help dispel these myths and attract more members”.

Responding to the charge, the overall head of ROF, Otunba Francis Meshioye commended Abugu for his recommendation saying “We appreciate every recommendations but we are being careful for some reasons. But be rest assured that we will look into it .”