The maiden Gbede Day and launching of N500m appeal fund for the building of the palace of Olu Gbede of Gbede in Ijumu local government area of Kogi state is set to hold on Saturday, 30th March, 2024.
A statement signed by HRH. Oba Faleke Tayo David, the Olu of Iyah- Gbede, said dignitaries from all walks of life, friends as well as sons and daughters of Gbede Kingdom are expected to grace the occasion scheduled to take place at Ayetoro Gbede.
According to Oba Faleke, who is Chairman, Central Planning Committee, the event is being organized by the Gbede Development Union in collaboration with Gbede Traditional Council under the leadership of HRM. Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba, the Olu Gbede of Gbede Kingdom.
He explained that the programme, first of its kind, is aimed at fostering unity among the people of Gbede Kingdom, promoting the rich cultural heritage of the people of Gbede and to bring the people of the District together.
“Similarly and very importantly is that the event is aimed at raising N500m for the building of the ultra-modern palace for His Royal majesty, the Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom.
“This is the first time since 1912 when a decision to have a centralized Palace for Olu Gbede is taken as previous and the current Olugbede have been using their personal residences as Palaces which is not appropriate. That is, one hundred and twelve (112) years ago.
“Without prolonging the historical antecedents of the royal stool, the present Olugbede on the throne, HRM, Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba, retired Army Colonel, had taken time to educate us about the historical background and the beauty of the ancient Olugbede stool with the urgent needs to build the modern palace to enhance the image of the royal stool and also uniting us down to the generations yet unborn.
“More over, the magnitude of Olugbede stool with the first class status deserves an impressive edifice as a palace to portray the enormity and recognition associated with it,” he said.
Oba Faleke called on all the progressive citizens of Gbede kingdom at home and in diaspora, philanthropists, organisations, friends and well-wishers to kindly assist by donating generously for the long over due palace for the revered Olugbede stool in which the race has commenced in earnest.
