The Olugbede of Gbede land in Ijumu local government area of Kogi state, Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba has commended local hunters, vigilante group and security agents for their efforts in ensuring the protection of lives and property of Gbede people.
Speaking at the 2025 Gbede Day celebrations over the weekend, Oba Oloruntoba, a retired Army Colonel, said the district is currently making progress in the building of a befitting palace for the Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom.
He particularly expressed gratitude to Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for working tirelessly towards providing funds for the building of his palace.
“You will all recall that during my coronation on 11th June 2022, I promised that during my reign, Gbede will have a befitting palace for Olugbede, I am glad to inform you all that work has commenced already, the Olugbede states and I pray for the quick completion,” he said.
The monarch expressed gratitude to Major General Funsho Owonibi and Architect Salman Idris for offering free professional services of the design of the palace.
He also thanked Gbede sons and daughters as well as friends of the district that have supported the palace, urging those who are yet to do so to do the needful.
The Chairman of the Local Government, Alh. Haruna Ibrahim announced that Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has decided to takeover the building of the Palace and expressed appreciation to him.
In a presentation titled “Importance of Culture: Gbede Kingdom in Focus,” the immediate past Director General Protocol to former Governor, Mr. Ayenibe said the importance of culture in ensuring peace if properly harnessed cannot be overemphasized.
According to Mr. Ayenibe, tradition plays a vital role in societal growth, hence the need for the people of Gbede land to do everything humanly possible to protect their culture and Tradition.
On his part, the National President of Gbede Development Union, Chief Israel Oshafunmi congratulated sons and daughters of the District on this year’s celebration, stressing the need for hard work and corrupt free life style which are the core values of the Gbede people.
Chief Oshafunmi described the Culture of Gbede land as great, credible, rich and sustainable, emphasising that it should be propagated to the world.
Earlier, the Chairman, Planning and Organising Committee and Olu of Iyah Gbede, Oba Faleke Tayo David enjoined the people of Gbede land to value their language and not allow it to go into extinction.
According to him, the programme was aimed at promoting unity among the people of the District and thanked the Olugbede of Gbede and Gbede Development Union for the confidence reposed in the Committee.
