admin
Leader of the Reformed Ogboni
Fraternity (ROF), Chief Francis Meshioye, has again debunked public perception
that the fraternity was a secret society.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos during flag off of 2019 Founders’
Day Celebration of ROF, Meshioye, said there was nothing sinister in the
activities of the fraternity.
“We are far from being a secret society; we are a registered entity that abides
with the laws of the land and our objectives are to promote positive values,
truth, justice and cultural heritage,” he said.
He explained that contrary to beliefs in
some quarters, there was nothing secret or sinister about the fraternity,
saying it was founded for the good of the society.
Meshionye further explained that the
fraternity was actually founded in 1914 by a Christian, Deacon Jacobson
Ogunbiyi, saying the initial objective was to promote Christian values among
the people.
He added that the group was later expanded to accommodate people of other
faiths, hence the change in name from Ogboni Fraternity to Reformed Ogboni
Fraternity.
Meshioye said a number of distinguished
Nigerians, dead and living, were members of the group, emphasizing that the fraternity was strictly for positive values.
He said that it was note-worthy that the
founding fathers of ROF were part of those who fought for decolonization of Nigeria, developed such establishments as the civil
service, judiciary and many functional post-colonial institutions.
He listed some of them as late Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, late Chief Ladoke
Akintola and late Sir Adeyemo Alakija.
The ROF leader said every Nigerian of
good character could join the group as the fraternity was not for those who
were seeking quick wealth.
According to Meshioye, it is important
for people to understand what the group stands for, urging Nigerians to embrace
the virtues of the fraternity
“The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF)
has the ultimate objective of promoting good values, love discipline, not only
in Nigeria but in other parts of the world wherever her members themselves.
“There is a clear distinction between
ROF as a fraternity and any other forms of organization.
“Our fraternity compels her members to
imbibe the fundamental injunction of ”do unto others as you wish others to do
unto you.
“However, the fraternity had to overcome
many challenges that were rooted in misinterpretations of what we stand for,”
Meshioye said.
He said the celebration of ROF’s 2019
Founders’ Day was to promote the ideals of the fraternity and show the world
that the group was all positive. (NAN) Duneriat
