- The above subject matter refers.
Following the publication of the subjects above and institution of suit by Hon. Princess Teju Okuyiga (Omotoyinbo) against High Chief Abiola Omoniyi and Abegunde and Co, a notice concerning the matter was made on the platform of Aisegba Progressive Union.
The publication generated various actions and reactions, both positive and negative, within and outside our community.
However, owing to the purposeful leadership of the Aisegba Progressive Union (APU) and the intervention of some eminent and well-meaning sons and daughters of Aisegba-Ekiti, efforts were made to resolve the matter amicably and restore peace and unity within our community.
We therefore wish to express our profound appreciation to the members of the Reconciliation Committee, who selflessly committed their time, wisdom and goodwill to the peace process.
This reconciliation meeting provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement between the concerned Chiefs and Hon. Princess Teju Okuyiga (Omotoyinbo). During the meeting, the circumstances surrounding the publication were discussed openly, and the true intention behind the publication was clearly explained.
It was made abundantly clear that the publication which Hon. Teju Okuyiga (Omotoyinbo) perceived as an attempt to malign her character was never intended to defame, ridicule or tarnish her reputation. Her name was mentioned merely as one among several royal fathers from the Gbonyin/Ayekire axis in a publication that chronicled an incident concerning the traditional institution of Aisegba-Ekiti at Ode during a political engagement.
Furthermore, the issues referred to in the publication had already attracted the intervention of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, and the matter had subsequently been addressed between Aisegba-Ekiti Chiefs and Gbonyin/Ayekire Obas.
We therefore wish to state unequivocally that there was no intention whatsoever to maliciously attack the person, office or reputation of Hon. Princess Teju Okuyiga (Omotoyinbo). If, however, she interpreted the publication differently or felt offended by it, we sincerely regret the misunderstanding and hereby offer our *unreserved apology* for any distress or embarrassment it may have caused.
This statement has become necessary to correct certain insinuations, impressions and misunderstandings that may have arisen from the matter.
As custodians of the traditional institution of Aisegba-Ekiti, our foremost concern is the peace, unity, dignity and development of our beloved community. We firmly believe that no disagreement, however serious, should be allowed to permanently divide the sons and daughters of Aisegba-Ekiti.
We therefore use this opportunity to sincerely appreciate all the well-meaning leaders, elders, chiefs, professionals and community stakeholders who intervened in this matter and worked tirelessly towards reconciliation.
To the Aisegba Progressive Union (APU), I say this is one your best achievements so far. We say a big thank you, The President, Prof. Femi Adebule and other Excos and of course, our revered father, mentor and life patron Chief Bisi Familugba, thank you sir. Agba yin a dale.
To the co-Chiefs and members of the traditional institution who stood firm and demonstrated courage during the challenging period surrounding the dignity of our Regent, we say a heartfelt thank you and well done.
To the Regent of Aisegba-Ekiti, we appreciate your maturity, patience and restraint throughout the period of this misunderstanding. Your conduct demonstrated a strong commitment to the peace and stability of our community.
To Hon. Princess Teju Okuyiga (Omotoyinbo), we equally extend our hand of fellowship and peace. We believe that, as sons and daughters of the same community, we must always leave room for understanding, forgiveness and reconciliation.
At this juncture, we appeal to all sons and daughters of Aisegba-Ekiti to forgive, forget and put this avoidable misunderstanding behind us. Let us redirect our collective energy towards the development, progress, peace and prosperity of Aisegba-Ekiti.
The strength of Aisegba-Ekiti lies in our unity. We must not allow differences of opinion or temporary disagreements to destroy the bonds that have held us together for generations.
Once again, to everyone who contributed to making this reconciliation possible, we say a very big THANK YOU.
May peace, unity and progress continue to reign supreme in Aisegba-Ekiti.
Yours sincerely,
1. High Chief Abiola Omoniyi
2. High Chief Abegunde Awoleye
For and on behalf of the entire Apalufin-in-Council,
Aisegba-Ekiti.
