Royal backing: Owa Obokun endorses Wesley University’s Medical College

Victor Ojii

Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran Adesuyi Haastrup has expressed optimism that the proposed upgrade of Wesley Guild Hospital into a Federal Medical Centre, alongside the establishment of the Wesley University College of Medical Sciences, Ilesa, represents a win-win development for both the Ijesa people and the Methodist Church Nigeria.

According to the University’s Public Relations Officer, Miss Peace Olarenwaju, the development formed the crux of discussions during a recent congratulatory visit to the monarch by a delegation from Wesley University, Ondo, led by the Archbishop of Ilesa Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Amos Akindeko, and the university Vice-Chancellor, Rt. Revd. Prof. Samuel Sunday Obeka.

In his remarks, Oba Haastrup emphasized the economic and healthcare benefits the transformation of the hospital would bring to Ijesaland. He pledged to consult widely on the possibility of retaining the name “Wesley” in the new designation of the Federal Medical Centre as a way of honouring the legacy of Methodism and its contributions to the region.

Ajimoko III further assured the delegation that the Ijesa community would wholeheartedly support the proposed Wesley University College of Medical Sciences, Ilesa.

According to him, this support would include land donations and financial contributions to ensure the successful takeoff of the institution.

Responding, Archbishop Akindeko commended the monarch’s wisdom and diplomatic approach, describing it as “Solomonic” and effective in de-escalating tensions. He expressed regret that some individuals championing the hospital’s conversion acted unilaterally and portrayed the Church as being anti-progressive.

He clarified that the intention of Wesley University was never to oppose development, but to preserve history by immortalizing Ajimoko I, who brought Methodism to Ijesaland and other parts of Yorubaland.

The Archbishop also pledged to relay the monarch’s counsel and request to the Board and Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria for further consideration.

The Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University further expressed his gratitude to His Imperial Majesty by formally inviting him to accept an honorary doctorate during the university’s forthcoming convocation ceremony.