Worried by the continued absence of the paramount ruler in Kabba land, the people of the town have pleaded with the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to expedite actions on the selection of a new Obaro of Kabba.
The Kabba Development Union (KDU), which spoke on behalf of the people, said a large vacuum had been created since the demise of the last Obaro, Oba Micheal Olobayo, who joined his ancestors over a year ago.
The late Obaro of Kabba, a first class monarch and the chairman of the Okun Area Traditional Council in Kogi State died on May 21, 2016 at the age of 71.
The president general of KDU, Emmanuel Ajibero, while speaking when he led a delegation of the union to the governor in Lokoja, the state capital in Monday, said there was the need for the state government to approve a new monarch for the town to give the people direction.
According to him, the people of Kabba, and Okunland in general had been left as “orphans” since the death of their Oba who had always provided direction, fatherly counsels and served as rallying point for his subjects.
Ajibero said, “We have been missing the fatherly role of the Obaro of Kabba, not only in Kabba but in Okunland, but we as Owe people have really missed having an Obaro, we likened it to when the president was out if the country for 100 days, we know how the country felt not to talk of we not having an Oba for over one year, so we need an Oba and we want him to give us one very soon based on the established law that guides the chieftaincy”.
The union also lauded the governor for supporting the member representing Kabba/Bunu state constituency, Mathew Kolawole as the speaker of the state house of assembly.
Responding, Bello assured the delegation that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs would work hand in hand with the kingmakers to arrive at the choice of who becomes the next Obaro of Kabba.
Bello maintained that his administration would not impose traditional rulers on the people, adding that he would work strictly in accordance with the established laws and collective decision of the kingmakers.
Credit: Tribune
