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SHOCKING!!! OGBONI LEADER LISTS POPULAR MEMBERS SAYS THEY ATTEND CHURCHES AND MOSQUES. 

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 By prince Everest 

The Olori Oluwo (supreme leader) of the Reformed OGBONI Fraternity (ROF), francis Oluwagbenero Meshioye A seasoned administrator and a chartered accountant has said being a member of the fraternity does not stop members from practising any religion of their choice. In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune,  he explained that the fraternity takes it roots from Nigerian culture. 
Meshioye said he wanted to understand his culture and know why he is a Nigerian and not from any other country was one of the perception that attracted him to the group. Those perception made him to begin to look within himself to know who he was and he extended that to what he had within his area. 

I am a firm believer in the Yoruba adage, 
'Animo ni peregun laso' which simply means you add to whatever you have, he said. 
"if that is the case, I wouldn't leave what I have found within my environment to embrace other things. I do embrace other things,  mind you, but I believe that there is something we inherited from our source. I wanted to know why I am a Nigerian,  a Yoruba man,  what my culture is all about and what is wrong with it amongst other things. 

"Aside these, I wanted to know God my own way because if you know God and his laws, you will be a better human being. Thereafter,  I realized that what I wanted was in my immediate environment. Looking at my culture I realized it is useful to realise ones closeness with God. Our culture does not slander on any other and I also found out in the bible, "Thou shall not judge" because I was raised a Christian. 
He also continued by quoting the biblical scripture which says "search all things, find out the one that is true and hold on to it". 
He continued further by saying " I looked at everything and I opted for Ogboni. Incidentally, Ogbonism does not prevent you from going to the church or mosque as many people thinks other wise. 

 He said Ogbonism does not stop you from doing whatever you want to do, it is all about understanding our culture which is a guide in living a better life and improving society. 

 "I had same line of thought about Ogboni as the public before joining, when I was contemplating joining, I never saw anyone who could direct me because you don't see them easily  but I do hear of them, so I said if they are bad I will leave. I later found someone who introduce me to a member and during the period I joined before the formal ceremony they were observing me while I was observing them also. 

They showed love to one another and are respectable people, this got my attention and I glued to it. I found out it is excellent and exactly the kind of group I have been seeking".

On the rules of joining the fraternity, the leader said "You must be known by someone who is a member because we want people of good character. You must have a sponsor who will attest to your good character. You must be an adult according to the laws of the land, have a verifiable source of income and must be industrious. 

"You apply and your letter will be sent to the state where the sponsor lives, you will be investigated without your knowledge. If you are found lacking in those key areas during the investigation we would dismiss you and you can't be our member, but if you do not have any short comings you will be sent for an interview. The interview would be a kind of discussion and if you are successful with it you are on your way to joining" so the leader said. 
The fraternity started on December 18, 1914 by Archdeacon T. A  J.  Ogunbiyi and he named it Ogboni Onigbagbo,  Meshioye,  in the interview,  explained the name change to Reformed Ogboni Fraternity.

He said it was changed to accommodate different people from different religions.
He said; 
"At that time, there were only few christian members in the fold but soon after the inauguration, they realised it is not meant for Christians alone. It's a cultural heritage and you can't restrict heritage to religion. In Yoruba culture we have christains, Muslims and other religion. That was why it was change to ROF in other to accommodate  different  religious leanings, race and political affiliation. The fraternity is incorporated and recognised under Nigerian law. 

"our past leaders include sir Adeyemo Alakija, who was the first Olori Oluwo and he was followed by sir Adetokunbo Ademola. We have had members including chief Oladeinde Lawson,  the late Arch-bishop vining, Reverend David Mellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe,  the Sardauna, Ahmadu Bello,  and chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola amongst others". The leader explained that there are three types of Ogboni on the difference between Aboriginal and Reformed Ogboni. 

"There is Ogboni ILu, the governing council of a town. In Yoruba land, the governing system in any reputable town is Ogboni Osugbo. So we have Ogboni ilu, Ogboni Aboriginal and the Reformed Ogboni fraternity. 
Although, the major difference between Reformed Ogboni Fraternity and others is that it focuses on the core principles and tenets of Ogbonism without tilting to the right or left".

On the forthcoming centenary celebration of the fraternity on December 18, Meshioye said he hopes people will have a proper understanding of what Ogboni is all about from the perception of the ROF. "it will be my wish that many people learn,  understand,  imbibe and practice the principles of Ogbonism of the ROF because it is a home based culture and ones culture matters a lot" he said.
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