By Femi Olugbemi, Abuja.
The association of Kabba people resident in Abuja has organised a reception dinner in honor of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi to celebrate his dexterity and sagacity toward the development of not only Okunland but the entire Kogi State of Nigeria.
Speaking at the well attended dinner held at Belanova Apartments and Suites, Maitama, Abuja, the President of the association, Sir Jimoh Johnson, commended the members and friends of the community for honoring the foremost Monarch, who was in Abuja as part of the delegation to see President Muhammadu Buhari for the development of Kogi State, with their presence despite the short notice.
He said as the culture and tradition demands as his loyal subjects living in Abuja, are culturally bound to organize such a benefiting dinner to identify with his leadership acumen and express their pleasure with his actions in all ramifications since he assumed duties as the paramount ruler of not only Kabba community but the entire Okunland.
He warned people to take caution in their attacks on the traditional institution in the state, stressing that culturally, traditional rulers are the spiritual and traditional heads of their various communities hence it is dangerous for people to throw insults on them at will.
He urged the people to continue to support their leadership in order to get meaningful development for the community, pointing out that politics should not be the basis to drag the monarchs in the mud.
The member representing Kabba/Bunu State Constituency and Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Prince Matthew Kolawole also graced the occasion and used the occasion to appreciate the Monarch and the people of the constituency for their overwhelming support before, during and after the 2019 House of Assembly election which returned him to represent the people for an unprecedented second term.
He commended the Royal Father for his noticeable roles in maintaining peace in his domain, urging the people to support his laudable initiatives to promote peace, unity and development of the area.
He appealed to the people to rally round him and his party APC as their beloved representative at the state level to support the reelection bid of Governor Yahaya Bello.
He said despite the daunting challenges, Governor Yahaya Bello is the best option for the people of the state considering his monumental achievements in the area of security, education, health, civil service reform and his love for the traditional institutions.
He said the people of Okunland never have it so good in terms of juicy appointments being currently enjoyed by their sons and daughters at the state level, pointing out that it is Governor Yahaya Bello that came to recognise the 9 federal constituencies in the state.
He said it will be instructive for the people to support the second term aspiration of the Governor by giving their total votes to him to consolidate on his achievements.
He said it is time for all and sundry both home and abroad to come together and unite for the development of the community under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi as the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council in respective of family background, religious belief and party affiliations.
While responding, the Chief celebrant of the day, Oba Solomon Owoniyi commended the organiser for honoring him despite the short notice.
“I am very grateful for the honor done on me this evening, I never thought I will still remain in Abuja till now because after our visit to President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, my plan was to return home but stayed because of this event, God Almighty shall honor you too”, he said.
According to him, it is time for Kabba and Okunland to take its rightful place in governance hence his stand to support the government of the day led by Governor Yahaya Bello in the state.
He said it is not part of his characters to be ungrateful to someone who did good to him, stressing that Governor Yahaya Bello has been a wonderful person not only to him but the entire Kabba people by resolving the lingering crisis on the Obaro Stool.
He said since the Governor deems it fit to uphold the white paper that guaranteed the rotation arrangement of the Obaro Stool, his is left with no other option than to mobilize his subjects to support his government.
He said he cannot abandon someone who restored peace and unity to his community for someone else, hence he is committed to the reelection bid of Governor Yahaya Bello.
Other prominent personalities present at the occasion includes, Hon Paul Teejay Yusuf, Hon Jethro Funsho Oni aka Chopchop, Alhaji Hassan Tai Ejibunu, Mrs Juli Ade Cole, Sir Barny Adeku Ojiah (a prominent Ebira leader), Ben Kabba Owoleke, Mr Kolade Otitonaiye, Omoluabi Olabode Adeyemi, Justin Bello, Sylvester Omoregie Imhanobe, Ajayi Ibitolu, George Abejide, Col Ojutaiye Bode, Tunde Akanmidu, Kayode Joseph Olorunmotito, Kunle Kola Olubiyo, Ibiejemite Henry, Adeleye David Oladele, Barr Fadile Kabiru.
