By joshua KOGI UNITY ACCORD LEADS POWER ROTATION ADVOCACY TO IBAJI, AS PARAMOUNT RULER SUPPORTS INITIATIVE, COMMENDS ODODO’S ALL-INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT
The Kogi Unity Accord has intensified its statewide advocacy for equitable power rotation, inclusive governance and fair resource allocation, as the group extends its stakeholder engagement to Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The delegation, led by the Convener of the Kogi Unity Accord, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi, paid a sensitization courtesy visit to the palace of the Ibaji Local Government Traditional Council under the Chairmanship of His Royal Highness, Ejeh of Ibaji, HRH Ajofe Egwemi, JP, in continuation of consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, socio-cultural organisations and other critical stakeholders ahead of the proposed Kogi Traditional/Religious Leaders and Socio-Cultural Organisations Summit on Power Rotation and Resource Allocation in Kogi State.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the delegation to explain the vision behind the proposed summit and seek the active participation and support of the traditional institution and people of Ibaji LGA in the emerging conversation on equitable political power sharing and balanced development across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi said the visit was part of the group’s deliberate effort to engage every component of Kogi society before the proposed Kogi Leadership and Stakeholders Summit on Power Rotation.
He explained that the Kogi Unity Accord believes that issues concerning political power, governance and resource distribution should not be determined through confrontation or exclusion, but through constructive dialogue, mutual respect and a broad consensus among the people.
According to him, the proposed summit is designed to create a neutral and inclusive platform where traditional rulers, religious leaders, socio-cultural organisations and other respected voices can openly discuss the future of power rotation and resource allocation in Kogi State.
Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi emphasized that the campaign is not targeted against any individual, ethnic group, senatorial district or political interest, but is focused on building consensus around a more equitable political arrangement capable of strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Kogi State.
He further noted that Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo’s second-term ambition provides an important foundation upon which the conversation on rotational governorship should rest and begin.
The Convener argued that continuity in governance is necessary for the consolidation of ongoing policies, projects and institutional reforms, stressing that a stable political environment would also provide the opportunity for stakeholders to deepen discussions on an equitable succession arrangement.
He said the Kogi Unity Accord would continue to encourage stakeholders to look beyond immediate political interests and consider the long-term consequences of decisions taken today on the unity, stability and political future of the state.
Receiving the delegation, the Ejeh of Ibaji and Chairman of the Ibaji Local Government Traditional Council, HRH Ajofe Egwemi, JP, expressed appreciation to the Kogi Unity Accord for bringing the conversation to Ibaji.
The paramount ruler welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the importance of engaging traditional institutions in discussions that affect the political future and overall development of Kogi State.
HRH Ajofe Egwemi pledged his support for the proposed summit and promised to personally lead the traditional institution and other relevant stakeholders from Ibaji Local Government to the gathering.
The traditional ruler stressed that meaningful political dialogue must involve the grassroots and that traditional rulers have an important role to play in promoting peace, unity and understanding among the people.
He also commended the administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for what he described as an all-inclusive approach to governance, noting that inclusiveness remains critical to ensuring that different communities and interests feel represented in the affairs of government.
Also speaking during the engagement, the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, reaffirmed the strong support of the people of Ibaji for Governor Ododo.
The Chairman declared that Ibaji Local Government remains firmly behind the Governor and expressed confidence that the people would improve significantly on their previous electoral performance in support of the administration.
He assured the delegation that the local government would mobilise its people and stakeholders to participate actively in the forthcoming summit and other initiatives aimed at promoting unity, equity and sustainable development in Kogi State.
He noted that the people of Ibaji recognise the importance of continuity in government and expressed optimism that the current administration would continue to give attention to the needs and aspirations of communities across the state.
The Kogi Unity Accord maintained that the Ibaji engagement represents another important milestone in its ongoing statewide consultation.
The group noted that sustainable power rotation cannot be achieved through political declarations alone, but requires the collective understanding and participation of the people, particularly traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and socio-cultural organisations.
The delegation therefore called on stakeholders across the state to approach the proposed summit with an open mind and a commitment to finding a framework that guarantees fairness, strengthens unity and protects the interests of present and future generations.
Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi reiterated that the Kogi Unity Accord would continue its consultations across the three senatorial districts, stressing that every community and interest group deserves an opportunity to contribute to the conversation.
He said the group remains committed to promoting a political culture where power is shared through dialogue, consensus and mutual respect rather than bitterness, division or exclusion.
The delegation disclosed that consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and socio-cultural organisations would continue in the coming days as the group builds momentum for the proposed summit.
The Kogi Unity Accord expressed appreciation to the Ejeh of Ibaji, HRH Ajofe Egwemi, JP, the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government and the people of Ibaji for their warm reception and willingness to participate in the initiative.
The group described the commitment from Ibaji as a strong indication that the conversation on power rotation and equitable resource allocation is gaining wider acceptance across Kogi State.
It reiterated that the ultimate objective is to strengthen unity, justice, equity, inclusion and peaceful political coexistence, while creating a sustainable roadmap for the future political development of Kogi State.