The Ogu people, otherwise called Egun, in the Southwest region of the country have blamed their underdevelopment on their minority status and division of their homestead between Lagos and Ogun states.
The Ogu people argued that they were often seen as a minority in the two states, resulting in setbacks for them.
The Chairman, Main Organizing Committee for the First Ogu Day celebration, Abayomi Semako Hunye, said at a news conference on Thursday that the situation of his kinsmen would have been different if they had been together in one state.
Hunye said, “The division of the ethnic group into two states in Nigeria has been a major setback in the development of the people as they are often seen as a minority in the present arrangement. We believe the story would have been different if they were together in a state.
“The main aim of this forum is therefore meant to foster unity among all Ogus in Nigeria. Membership is open to all Ogu descendants.”
He added that the division of the group had also affected the unity of the people.
Hunye however pointed out that the celebration of the Ogu Day “is not a nationalistic movement and it is not in our agenda to request or agitate for the creation of a separate state for Ogu; rather we are committed to contributing our quota to the development of the different states we belong. However, like any other ethnic group, we will appreciate more recognition as a people, both at the state and national levels.”
He said that the seven-day programme, which would be rounded off with grand carnival at Tude in the Ipokia Local Government Area would witness the presence of who-is-who in the Ogu nation.
The planning committee chairman added that the ethnic group would want to correct the name “Egun” as we are Ogu not Egun, while we shall like our people to always call their children by their native Ogu names as a distinct identity.”
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