The good people of Ogidi in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have commended the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for upgrading four traditional stools in the Community.
The National President of Ogidi Development Association (ODA), Barr. Chief Femi Amos Oloruntoba, and the graded Traditional Rulers expressed their appreciation during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Tuesday at Saint John Anglican Primary School in Ogidi – Ijumu.
It would be recalled that Gov. Bello had on September 27, 2023, at the state’s Executive Council Meeting approved the grading and upgrading of 300 traditional stools across the state.
The Ologidi Stool was upgraded from second-class to first-class title, while that of Oluotun, Olokoro and Olojo stools in Ogidi communities were graded from classless to third-Class Obas in Ijumu Traditional Council.
The ODA National President appreciated the governor for the gesture in honouring the people of Ogidi with the traditional titles.
“Our joy knows no bound concerning the recent upgrading of the Ologidi stool to a first class Oba in Kogi State and the grading of Oluotun, Olokoro and Olojo as third class Obas in Ijumu Traditional Council.
“This is the Lord’s doing and our hearts rejoice in it. We are glad that all the recently graded third class Obas are here with us today and we shall listen to them later.
“What the Lord has done shall be permanent and to all the Kabiyesis we pray you shall reign long in Jesus name. We are grateful to all the hands that God used.
“We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as well as the Governor elect Ahmed Usman Ododo for the honour done us in the community. May the Almighty Allah continue to guide your steps,” Oloruntoba said.
Oloruntoba who doubles as the ‘Alada of Ogidi’, noted that the ODA’s vision was to make living in Ogidi conducive for all, where every indigene could have a feeling of equality of status and opportunity without any bias.
“The Association also strives to put in proper perspective the historical heritage of Ogidi devoid of coloration.
“ODA has been in the front line in the development of Ogidi community and we shall continue to do our best through self-commitment, liaising and appeals to persons and governments to address developmental issues in the community,” he said
Oloruntoba urged members of the association to show more financial commitment to the development of Ogidi in addressing the various needs of the community for the benefit of the people.
In their separate remarks, the Oluotun of Otun, HRH Oba Joseph Alaba Alamoh; Olokoro of Ohi, HRH Oba Samuel Ajayi Sule; and Olojo of Onogogongo, HRH Oba Ajayi Musa Folorunsho, all appreciated the governor for the gesture describing it as the first of its kind in Ogidi-Ijumu.
The royal fathers assured the Governor of the continuous support and cooperation of Ogidi people towards the security and development of the area and the state at large.
“The Kogi State Government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello is doing well and we pray that God will continue to uplift them to do more for the people,” Olojo said.
“I thanked the governor for upgrading me to third class Oba, may God bless him. We pray that more progressive things will continue to come to us in Ogidi,” Oluotun stated.
“I am very grateful to God, and the governor for upgrading me. I feel very happy and I thank God for the gesture,” Olokoro said.
The traditional rulers commended the leadership of ODA for the wonderful works they had been doing in the various communities, saying the association remained the major vehicle of development in Ogidi land.
The monarchs prayed for the leadership of the association for divine protection and enablement to take Ogidi to greater heights.
In his goodwill message, Mr O.S. Thomas, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive NAICOM Abuja, appreciated the State Government for the gesture towards the people of Ogidi, saying it was highly commendable.
He commended the leadership of ODA for their commitment to building a vibrant association, uniting the people and bringing development to the community, and assured them of his continuous support.
*Historical Significance and Prospect Of The Upgrading Of Oluotun, Olokoro and Olojo Title In Ogidi-Ijumu Kingdom*
In his paper presentation, titled: “Historical Significance and Prospect Of The Upgrading Of Oluotun, Olokoro and Olojo Title In Ogidi-Ijumu Kingdom”, Rt. Rev. Paul Olarewaju Ojo, thanked the Almighty God and appreciated the elites who painstakingly followed up the process till it became a reality.
“We are grateful to Kogi State Governor and Government, you did well, we say thank you.
“This is the beginning of a new dimension in the discussion on Ogidi, and about this new level, we all must be aware of it, pray along, plan ahead, re- strategize to face the new level, and the challenges ahead.
“We have not gone this way before, (Josh 3: 4) so we all must think fast, because definitely chieftaincy in Ogidi has entered a new level with four graded Obas.
“Oba means people, it means land, Jurisdiction, identity, a people and autonomy. So, definitely the identity, the autonomy of the people over whom the Obas will be reigning has been established.
“The upgrading has settled the fact that, Ogidi is made-up of three autonomous clans of Ona, Otun, and Ohi, and that Ona has grown into two sub clans – Ona ilaere and Ona gogongo with their kings and palaces recognised as a fact in the history and make-up of Ogidi.
“The three clans of Otun, Ohi, Ona gogongo is no longer subservient to any other clan. Oluotun, Olokoro, and Olojo are now kings in the comity of Kings in ljumu; their territory is clearly identified and known within Ogidi. Officially, they have a say in the affairs of Ogidi.
“It is the beginning of freedom at last and brings to an end the silent and eventual outcry of Otun, Ohi and Onah gogongo, for air, to be able to breath, and not die or goes into extinction. That they are not a conquered people, but a free people like any other clan that make up ogidi,” Ojo said.
The bishop and a theologian, who is an indegene of Ogidi, stressed that the upgrading of the three Obas had opened up Ogidi to have more kings, saying “it is a good things to note that a third class king today will grow to be first class tomorrow.
“It is obvious from this scene now that, if Ologidi is the paramonount ruler, and a title that belongs to all, then its rotation among the clans of Ogidi is inevitable”.
The highlights of the occasion was the display of Olaga Ogidi Cultural dance by the culture troupe, praises to the Almighty God and the distribution of foodstuff to 40 vulnerable widows by the APS Youth Foundation.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, Organising Committee of ODA AGM, Mr Olubode Olufemi, thanked the members of the association and the people for traveling from far and near to grace the occasion.
He prayed that the Almighty God would take them back to their various destinations and keep them safe to witness more of such event in Jesus name.
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