ROF....The Centennial Celebrations Introduction and Origin Venerable Rev T.A.J Ogunbiyi CBE LTh founded the ROF INC on the 18th Dec 1918 at Obun Eko in Lagos Nigeria . The original name of the fraternity was EGBE OGBONI ONIGBAGBO which means in English language OGBONI FRATERNITY OF THE CHRISTIANS. As time went on the founder considered it necessary to admit non-Christians, provided such entrants embrace a non-idolatrous believe in God. History has it that the following officiated at the first initiation ceremony: • Chief Fagade (Apena Ife)-Oluwo • Chief Ogungbade-Lisa • Venerable Arc Deacon T.A.J Ogunbiyi-Apena • Mr Paul Shokunbi-Adele • Mr Jas Brown The following were the first initiates: G. A Williams Esq • Dr O. Obasa • J.H.S Robbin Esq • Rev W.B Euba • Rev M.S Cole • Mr Akinsemohin BL On the night of same date another set of candidates were initiated, these were: H. Libert Esq • E. A Jacobs Esq • M Abayomi Esq • J. Oso Esq. The first Iledi (Conclave) was instituted on December 18th 1914 and by May 29th 1942 , 41 (forty one) Conclaves (Iledi) had been instituted across the country in Nigeria . The fraternity became incorporated under the Lands (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance 1942 on the 17th day of June 1943. A certificate of incorporation was appropriately issued to that effect. The growth in the number of Conclaves Iledi) has been encouraging after the incorporation and consequently the noble institution now has about 940 conclaves located all over Nigeria with one in Cameroon and 5 in London, 5 in Italy and 1 in Belgium. Arrangements are at advance stages to institute new conclaves in Italy , America , Brazil , and the West Indies . The activities of the order are guided by the provisions contained in the Constitution and the general by laws . The documents spell out amongst other things the name, membership, aim and objectives of the fraternity, including the organs and their powers and functions. The registered office (headquarters) of the fraternity is 38 Abeokuta Street , Ebute-Meta, Lagos Nigeria . The fraternity, which is also registered under the Friendly Society, Act 1814 and land perpetual succession Act Cap 98 Laws of the federation of Nigeria , is composed of the following: a. The Supreme council b. The Executive council c. The Regional council d. The Divisional council e. The General council f. The Conclaves The overall control of the fraternity is vested in the Olori Oluwo who is the HEAD of the ROF. He presides over all the meetings of the Supreme, Executive and General Councils. The Olori Apena who is next in rank is the custodian of the rites, usages, and custom of the order. The Supreme Council is the competent authority of the fraternity and its governing body. It is composed of the Olori Oluwo, Olori Apena, all the trustees, and those in charge of the region. The Executive Council is composed of all the Alakoso of the division, the Oluwo. The Apena and Lisa of the premier conclave Ile-Nla and any such member or members of the fraternity not below the rank of Lisa as the Olori Oluwo and the supreme council may deem fit. The Regional Council is composed of 3 (three) representatives of Oluwo, Apena and Lisa of each division and their alakoso. The Asoju of the region is the general overseer. A number of conclaves within a defined area are grouped together to constitute a divisional council comprising of the Oluwo, Apena, and Lisa of the respective conclaves. The General Council acts in all matters as an advisory body to the Supreme Council. The membership is composed of all members of the Supreme and Executive Councils, the Oluwo, the Apena and the Lisa of all conclaves. The Conclaves (Iledi) are the units of the society each operating under the banner of the Oluwo, the Apena, the Iya Abiye and other title Holders for the proper and efficient working of every conclave. There is the office of the Olori Iya Abiye and she presides over the meetings of all Alaga Iya Abiye and all other Iya Abiye. By the way there is need to mention that the Iya Abiye is the president of all female members in a conclave. Also, there is the office of Alaga Iya Abiye in each division and she presides at the meeting of all Iya Abiye within that Division. A web site of the ROF is part of the fraternitys new policy of openness, which we hope will serve as a medium of better informing the general public about the fraternity. Members of the public are also welcome to visit the headquarters in Lagos if they need more information. Oluwo.Apena.Lisa.Ogboni.Iya Abiye.....Ogbo ato. Happy Centennial to all.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 04:06:48 +0000
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