Ayetoro Gbede, an ancient town in Gbede District came alive on Thursday as a frontline group, Ogidi Omo Movement was inaugurated amidst singing and dancing.
The inauguration held at the Ayetoro Gbede town hall was attended by top government functionaries both within and outside Ijumu Local Government Area, political associates of the Founder of the Movement, Dr. Funsho Olumoko.
A member of the Movement, Comrade Duke Opeyemi in his welcome address stated that the group which is apolitical was brought to Gbede land to further empower people of the District particularly women and youths.
Comrade Duke, said members of the Group are from different political parties, saying the vision of the founder is to uplift the living standards of the people.
According to him, contrary to rumours in some quarters that the group is a cult group, the Founder has mentored many to achieve their vision in life.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Femi Obanewo Titus noted that “Ogidi-Ọmọ is already alive and thriving across Gbedde, Ijumu Arin, Ijumu Oke, Kabba, and indeed the entirety of Okunland.”
“In truth, I do not see today as merely the inauguration of a movement. I say this with conviction because I had the privilege of attending the celebration of its 20th anniversary in December 2025, and long before then, I had interacted with many committed members and associates of the movement.
“For me, today is more than an inauguration. It is a celebration of consistency, vision, and enduring political relevance. It is a celebration of a clever and outstanding leader whose impact has stood the test of time — a politician whose name resonates across Kogi State, and whose leadership remains rooted in integrity and sincerity: Hon. Olumoko Funsho Ekundayo.
“While some may call today an inauguration, I see it as the reaffirmation and re-energising of a brand that has grown in strength and influence over the years — a movement that has advanced into a political and social force, a platform impossible to ignore, and one that, by the grace of God, will outlive its founder.
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The member representing Kabba-Bunu Ijumu Federal Constituency, Arc. Salman Idris said Hon. Olumoko has an outstanding virtue that has endeared many to him.
Arc. Salman noted that steering the affairs of the Movement in the last 20 years deserves commendation, saying as a member of the Group, he will support them.
Responding, the Founder of Ogidi Omo Movement, Hon. Funsho Olumoko expressed appreciation to his supporters in Gbede District for coming up with the idea of the Inauguration.
Hon. Olumoko, who is the Pro – Chancellor and Chairman Board of Governing Council, Federal University of Education, Pankshin, stressed the need for the inaugurated Coordinators to come together in truth, to enable them move to the promised land.
He pleaded with the gathering to be truthful with one another as God will reward the works of men, pointing out that “God planted Ogidi Omo Movement and no man can uproot it.”
“In my community, I was hated and conspired against but God showed up for me. I’m not a stranger in Ijumu and Okun Politics.
Hon. Olumoko expressed delight over the growth experienced by the Movement, saying the Group is committed to galvanizing support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
According to him, the Movement will soon expand its reach to Ijumu Oke with the inauguration of the Coordinators.
He expressed gratitude to the members of the Movement for believing in the ideals of the Group, urging them to sustain the momentum.
