The Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, has urged young people to shun cultism, cyber fraud, and other illicit activities. He emphasized the need for honesty, hard work, and productive lifestyles to foster personal growth and contribute to community development.
Speaking during the Obalogun Festival on Saturday in Iloko-Ijesa, the Osun monarch cautioned against engaging in vices like cybercrime, commonly referred to as “yahoo-yahoo,” and cult-related activities. He highlighted the severe consequences of such actions, including untimely death, despair, and harm to individuals and society.
At the festival’s prayer session at the Obalogun shrine, Oba Ogungbangbe warned against the allure of quick wealth, which often leads to tragic outcomes. Reflecting on past incidents, he recounted the devastating impacts of these crimes on individuals who pursued them, urging the youth to learn from these examples and avoid paths that could ruin their lives or tarnish the reputation of Iloko-Ijesa.
“We have witnessed and read about cultists being killed during moments of supposed celebration. Others who venture into cybercrime often end up financially ruined and unable to contribute meaningfully to society,” the monarch said.
Expressing concern over the rise in cultism and fraud, he called on young people to embrace hard work and legal enterprises, noting that true prosperity comes from perseverance and effort.
“Youths must value labor and understand that there is no shortcut to success. Unfortunately, many young people today aspire to wealth and influence without putting in the required work,” he remarked.
Oba Ogungbangbe also prayed for divine blessings and guidance for the youth and the entire community, urging everyone to uphold values that promote peace, stability, and excellence.