The member of representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, has expressed deep gratitude to traditional rulers in Yagbaland following his conferment with the prestigious title of Asiwaju of Yagbaland, pledging renewed commitment to peace, security and the welfare of the people.
In a statement on Monday, Abejide congratulated residents of the constituency as the year draws to a close, extending Christmas and New Year greetings. He described the conferment of the Asiwaju title by the Traditional Councils of Yagbaland on December 29 as a rare and historic honour, noting that it was the first of its kind in the area.
The lawmaker assured that the recognition would further strengthen his respect for traditional institutions, promising that the welfare of royal fathers across Yagba Federal Constituency would remain a priority. He added that his commitments to the monarchs would be reflected through concrete actions and results in the near future.
Abejide also lauded the success of a security meeting held with traditional rulers and political leaders, aimed at confronting the lingering security challenges in the area. He acknowledged the leadership of the chairmen of the Traditional Councils of Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Local Government Areas — HRM Oba Moses Etombi, HRM Oba Ayodele Irukera (represented by HRM Oba J.J. Falope), and HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun.
The meeting was attended by the chairmen of the three local government councils — Hon. Dare Joshua (Venza) of Yagba East, Hon. Tosin Olokun of Yagba West and ALGON Chairman, and Hon. Ademola Bello of Mopamuro — as well as members of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing Yagba East and Mopamuro, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro and Hon. Olawumi.
Abejide stated that the gathering reinforced a united resolve to confront insecurity headlong. He stated that criminal elements operating in the area were already under pressure and would soon be flushed out, expressing confidence that within months the threat would be eliminated.
He further warned that bandits fleeing intensified military operations in the North-West might attempt to infiltrate Yagbaland, but assured residents that a newly strengthened security outfit, the “Lion Squad,” was prepared to repel any such incursion.
The lawmaker called on well-meaning sons and daughters of Yagba to support the ongoing security efforts with financial and material resources, stressing that community cooperation was critical to defeating banditry and kidnapping.
Abejide also issued a stern warning to anyone acting as informants or collaborators for criminal gangs, declaring that the ongoing operation was “Operation No Mercy.” He noted that both the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Kogi State Government led by Governor Usman Ododo were committed to dealing decisively with terrorism and criminality.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to the two leaders for their support, saying it had strengthened local security efforts to rid Yagbaland of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers.
