By Stephen Adeleye.
Chief Olusegun Joseph Areh, has been elected as the Obadofin Of Oweland in Kabba, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Traditional Council Area of Kogi State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obadofin-Elect, Areh, is the present Obanesa of Oweland.
The stool of Obadofin became vacant after the demise of late Obadofin of Oweland, Oba Micheal Yusuf in January 2023.
Areh’s election followed the approval of the Traditional Selectors, empowered by the Edict 12, 1995 rulling to ractify the selection of any traditional chiefs from their ruling House.
The name of Chief Segun Areh has since been forwarded to the Okun Traditional Council, who are empowered to forward same to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for Executive approval.
This was disclosed in a letter dated Jan. 30, 2024, jointly signed by two of the three selectors; HRM Oba Solomon Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba; and Oba Micheal Obinaiye, Obajemu of Oweland; and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The third selector, Oba S. A Toluhi, the Obani of Oweland did not sign the letter as he abstained from voting.
However, as enshrined by traditional law of Edict 12, 1995 and 2006 as well as Owe tradition, any two of the three Selectors are empowered to ratify the selection of ‘Obadofin’ in the event that the third abstained from voting.
Besides the traditional rotation of selection of titles in Oweland, there is a subsisting Supreme Court judgement that permit the Obaro of Kabba the prerogative to appoint every traditional title in Okunland.
The letter reads: “Sequel to the demise of late Obadofin of Oweland, Oba Micheal Yusuf, the stool of Obadofin has become vacant and in strict compliance with Edit No. 12 of 1995 and Owe tradition.
“On the 3rd day of May, 2023 the Obaro of Kabba as the most senior selector, sent to Odolu ruling group to ascertain and screen nominees who have indicated interest in the vacant stool.
“It is worthy to mention, that four names were forwarded among which, one is to be chosen to fill the vacant stool of Obadofin of Oweland.
“After series of further screening, investigations carried out, and consultations with Ifa Oracle by the Ololus in accordance with Owe tradition, Chief Olusegun Joseph Areh, was considered the most suitable among the nominees sent to the selectors.
“The underlisted Olulus and Chief who also double as the King makers in the appointment of all Chiefs and Obas in Oweland did observe due process and fulfilled all traditions thereupon selected Chief Olusegun Joseph Areh (the Obanesa of Oweland) as the Obadofin of Oweland in Kabba/Bunu Local government area of Kogi state.
“We hereby urge, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Traditional council, and Okun Traditional Council to forward same to the Kogi state council of Chiefs for necessary action.”
NAN reports that the final burial rites of the late Obadofin was concluded on April 28, 2023, to pave way for the emergence of the new Obadofin of Oweland in line with the Edit 12 of 1995 and 2006 Chieftaincy law of the Kogi State Government
The law established rotational arrangement for the Ololu’s among the three ruling groups in Kabba community.
The new Obadofin -Elect, Chief Olusegun Joseph Areh, was born on May 15, 1961 to the family of Chief Daniel Usman Jagbemi Areh (Obaneae Osabu-Ewo Suwaju) of the Obanakin family, Oke’lepa Odolu, Kabba.
He attended Saint Andrew’s Primary school, Kabba from 1966 to 1972. Proceeded to Zaria for Secondary Education at Kufena College, Wusasa Zaria and finished in 1979.
He attended Katsina college of Arts, Science and Technology (KCADT) Zaria from 1979-1981 for IJMB and thereafter to University of Sokoto, and graduated with BSC in Economics in 1987.
He served the nation in 1988 in Elf Oil Marketing LTD, Portharcourt, Rivers State and was retained after service year.
He later enrolled for Post Diploma in Marketing in University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1997.
He worked in Elf Oil and Total Oil Nig PLC in various portfolios: Sales Representatives, Lube Marine Officer, Business Development Manager, District Sales Manager, Special Products Manager, Aviation Operations Manager and finally as Operations Liaison Manager.
Upon meritorious exit from Total, he teamed up with two Ex- Total Staff colleagues to venture into Human Capital, Development and Consultancy in Oil and Gas Midstream, Downstream and Maritime operations.
