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‘Ogboni Fraternity Was Created To Promote Christian Values’ – Leader

Published

4 years ago

December 14, 2019

Leader of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, Chief Francis Meshioye , has again debunked the public perception that the fraternity is a secret society.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos , 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 , emphasising that the fraternity was strictly for positive values.

He said it was note -worthy that the founding fathers of ROF were part of those who fought for the decolonisation 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.