A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (rtd), member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Arc. Salman Idris, Caretaker Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alh. Haruna Ibrahim and Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, HRM Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni were among top dignitaries that headlined the maiden Gbede Day on Saturday.
The colourful cultural event was also graced by the Yeye Oba of Iyara land, Amb. Funmilayo Bodunde, represented by Mrs. Adejoke Oluwakorede, Kogi State National Population Commission (NPC) Commissioner, Hon. Yori Afolabi, Kogi State Director General Project Monitoring, Taufiq Isah and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths and Students Matters, Comrade Oladele John Nihi among several others.
Speaking at the occasion, General Olonisakin, who was a former High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Republic of Cameroon, described culture as a vehicle for promoting peace and progress in any society.
General Olonisakin, who is an in-law of Ayetoro Gbede Community applauded the vision of the organizers, describing it as a step in the right direction towards restoring the cultures and traditions of the Kingdom.
Held at Ayetoro Gbede, the headquarters of Gbede Kingdom in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the event, which is first of its kind since the existence of the Kingdom, featured the launching of N500, 000, 000 for the building of the Palace of Olugbede, a stool that has existed for 112 years without a central palace.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Maj. Gen. Yakubu Usman congratulated the Olugbede of Gbede, Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba, a retired army colonel, and the people of Gbede Kingdom on the successful hosting of the epoch making event.
Maj. Gen. Usman, who was conferred with an honourary chieftaincy title of Gbobaniyi of Gbede land, described the programme as thoughtful and timely, especially the proposed building of palace for the Olugbede.
He urged the people of Gbede land to come together and support the realisation of the edifice palace, which according to him is long overdue.
Also speaking, the Caretaker Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alh. Haruna Ibrahim extended his felicitations to traditional rulers and people of Gbede Kingdom, saying his administration will support any move that will protect the image of Ijumu Kingdom.
He used the opportunity to solicit the support of the people of the Local Government in tackling insecurity challenges by reporting suspicious movement to security agencies.
Also speaking, the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni expressed delight over the reawakening of the culture and traditions of Ijumu people.
According to him, “without mincing words, Gbede people have really demonstrated that they are the eldest of the three brothers that set the foundation of Ijumu Communities.”
He urged the other two districts to emulate Gbede by sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Ijumu Kingdom and commended the Olugbede of Gbede for laying a solid foundation
The elated Olujumu of Ijumu however expressed disappointment over what he called “present trend in Gbede where ascension to vacant stools of demised Royal Father is becoming more difficult,” saying the incident is already causing division in the District.
On his part, the National President of Gbede Development Union, Chief Israel Oshafunmi stated that the need for togetherness and unity necessitated the Programme.
Chief Oshafunmi, while expressing gladness that the ceremony happened during his own time thanked Gbede Traditional Rulers for their support.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Oba David Faleke noted that the programme was aimed at fostering unity in Gbede Kingdom.
The event also featured conferment of Honourary Chieftaincy titles to some Gbede illustrious sons and their wives.
Those honoured are; Maj. Gen. J.O.S Oshanupin as Otun Bobajiro of Gbede land, Major General Funsho Owonibi as Balogun of Gbede land, Arc. Salman Idris, Atuluse of Gbede, Dr. Michael Ayodele Bello as Bobajunwa of Gbede Kingdom and Engr. Ibitola Oludemi as Abobadaro of Gbede land.
Maj. Gen. Oshanupin while responding on behalf of the Chieftaincy title holders, expressed appreciation to Oba Oloruntoba and the people of Gbede land saying the honour will spur them to do more for God and humanity.
