The Development Association of Aiyetoro-Egunbe community in Kabba District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, North Central Nigeria has penned a strong worded letter of appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for the grading of the traditional stool of the foremost community in Kabba (Owe) kingdom to Third Class Chief in the State.
Gov. Bello
In a press statement jointly signed by the National President and National Secretary of the Association, Chief Julius Arokoyo and Hon Benjamin Olorunfemi respectively and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, it described the gesture as monumental in the history of the community.
According to the letter, the community would forever be grateful to the Governor for creating history considering the fact that all efforts by the community for the stool to be recognized in 2006 during Governor Ibrahim Idris grading and upgrading of traditional stools in Kogi state proved abortive due to bad politics of those in the corridor of power then.
They said it is a new dawn for the Community to regain its lost glory of being the number four community in the order of hierarchy in Kabba (Owe) kingdom, stressing that a community that was hitherto among the top four communities in the kingdom was relegated to the background, appreciating Governor Yahaya Bello for bringing the community out of the dungeon.
The Association also used the opportunity to appreciate the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Deedat Ozigi for doing a thorough job of recognizing the community that has a robust and outstanding history in the entire North Central Nigeria pointed out that though the community is happy to have been graded to Third Class, but still want the Ministry to do an upward review to bring up the community to be at par with it’s contemporary communities with some already First Class Chiefs in the state.
They also did not lose sight of the monumental roles played by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman Okun Area Traditional Council whose benevolence ensured the grading at this time and prayed that God shall continue to grant him wisdom, knowledge, understanding and good health to continue to pilot the affairs of the Kingdom.
Others mentioned for appreciation include, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole, former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Arokoyo, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Enimola Eniola, Director, Department of Chieftaincy, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their roles at different times and levels, praying that God shall continue to enrich them in all ramifications.
They also used the medium to congratulate the newly graded Chief, His Royal Highness Oba Olorunmotito Thomas Obarole, the Oba of Aiyetoro – Egunbe Community in Kabba district.
They urged him to make judicious use of the opportunity given to him to carry all stakeholders along in his effort to continue to maintain peace and tranquility within his domain.