Yoruba Community on High as Chief Audu-Oke Gets Turbaned Oba Yoruba of Lokoja

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By Yabagi Mohammed.
The usual Parade Day celebration, an after-sallah event celebrated at the Palace of Maigari of Lokoja, was different this year as the day coincided with the coronation of Chief Bello Audu-Oke as the Oba Yoruba of Lokoja. The parade, which usually see all traditional and political leaders in Lokoja gather to pay homage to the Maigari, who is the Chairman, Lokoja Council of Traditional Rulers, to rededicate their allegiance to his rulership in the area.
Chief Bello Audu-Oke, accompanied by the other notable Yoruba leaders in the state, graced the occasion as a demonstration of their allegiance to him as their Oba in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. It was an auspicious moment for the Yoruba community in Lokoja, as those who graced the occasion could not hide their joy in celebrating their head in Lokoja.
The ceremony witnessed the symbolic traditional decoration of the Oba with his new attire which was blessed by the Maigari himself, as there was traditional songs and dance display by entertainers, heralding the reign of ‎the new Oba of Yoruba Lokoja, signaling the completion of the occasion.
Speaking at the occasion, the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Majesty, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi III described the coronation as long overdue in view of the immeasurable contribution of Chief Audu-Oke towards the development of Lokoja Chiefdom. He said that the Yoruba in Lokoja are among the most peaceful groups in the city, adding that Chief Audu-Oke, whose ancestral parents migrated to Lokoja and have been exemplary. He noted that their industry and commitment to developing the society is worthy of emulation.
The Maigari, who touched on how his own parents had lived a cordial and harmonious relationship with the parents of the Oba of Yoruba, said they as the children have also continued where their parents left off, saying that unity of purpose is paramount in any society. He therefore charged the new Oba of Yoruba to continue to enjoin his subjects to sustain the temple in carrying out their activities.
Reacting at the occasion, the Special Adviser to Governor Yahaya Bello on Culture and tourism, Hon. Barr Lewis Tokunbo Asubiojo expressed pride in witnessing the occasion, and solicited for courage and understanding from every member of the Yoruba Community in Lokoja so that the new Oba can discharge his duties effectively. He called on everybody to join hands with the new Oba in the task of rebuilding the Yoruba community where every Yoruba can be integrated into the plans of moving the community forward.
He stressed that even though the task of leadership can be overwhelming, he hoped that every Yoruba can give Oba Audu-Oke the necessary support he needs to move them forward.
In his reaction, the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Oba Idowu Isenibi said the selection of Chief Bello Audu-Oke as Oba of Yoruba Community in Lokoja is based on his proven integrity, honesty and selfless services he has rendered to the Yoruba community and the state. He said the people of the area in all categories realise the immeasurable contributions he has made to the socio-economic development of the town and the state in geneal.
He therefore prayed God to assist the new Oba is piloting his affairs and the affairs of Yoruba Community in the state, as he has become a traditional and cultural icon that deserves the recognition being accorded him.

The new Oba Yoruba of Lokoja, Chief Bello Audu Oke mounting his horse

In his response, the newly crowned Oba of Yoruba Community expressed gratitude to God for making him witness the day and for making the event a success. He expressed appreciation to the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi, whom he described as a father figure and an icon of the Lokoja traditional council. He said the traditional ruler is a figure worthy of emulation because of his detribalized and upright personality.
He also expressed gratitude to the entire Lokoja Traditional Council, saying that he feels privileged to be part of them. He called for the support of every Yoruba person in Lokoja as well as the entire people of the area in his efforts to discharge his duties as their Oba. He promised to carry everyone along and that he would not refuse to take advice.
My door is always open for those who have any form advice or criticism. I am not here on my own, but here, as the Oba of Yoruba Community, to see to it that the progress and continuous socio-economic development of the people is enhanced. I am assuring all that I would use my office to bring about peace, unity and harmonious relationship between the Yoruba people in the area and other ethnic groups.

The new Oba of Lokoja with other members of Lokoja Traditional institution paying the symbolic homage to the Maigari of Lokoja


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