The Olubaka and Paramount Ruler of Oka Akoko, His Imperial Majesty Oba ( Dr.) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, sent a strong delegation on condolence visit to the Catholic Bishop of Ondo, His Lordship Bishop Dr. Jude Ayodele Arogundade to commiserate with him on the unfortunate incident which occurred at Owo last week.
Speaking through the leader of the delegation, High Chief Pastor Joseph Jemiyo, the Alagba of Agba Quarter, Oka Akoko, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON said the entire people of Oka land grieves with the people of Owo and the Catholic Church in particular.
He said, the Catholic Church has been one of the strong pillars of development in Oka land and a great number of Oka people are members of the denomination.
He went further to say, the Catholic Church has engraved itself in the foundation of development of Okaland in the area of spiritual assistance, educational and health development.
He said, ” that our son is the head of the Catholic Church in Ondo State makes it a joint pain to all of us. The best way to prove this is to stand firm with our son and the Church against the agents of death at this point in time.
In his response, Bishop Dr. Jude Ayodele s Arogundade thanked the Kabiyesi and the people of Okaland. He said, it has been an extremely traumatic experience but the Lord is always there to hold His Church. He said the number of the dead is 40 and many are still in the hospital. He asked everyone to join the people and the Church in prayer at this trying time.
He said “from time immemorial, the Church is a place of refuge not only for the soul but for the body. He said, every religious place is an abode of those in need of spiritual assistance and when they are under physical attack it is a place to hide and seek refuge”. He however thanked all Nigerians who have stood with the Church at this difficult period.
It would be recalled that the Kabiyesi had already visited His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Gbadegesin Ogunoye,The Olowo of Owo in company of other members of Ondo State Council of Obas.