Dignitaries from all walks of life stormed Okoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State at last weekend for the Coronation of Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba, a retired Colonel as the Olugbede of Gbede land.
The Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), Kogi State Commissioner of Environment, Chief Victor Omofaiye and his Education, Science and Technology counterpart, Hon. Wemi Jones as well as HRM. Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni graced the occasion.
Others in attendance are; Member representing Ijumu Constituency, Hon. Kilani Olumo, Candidate of African Democratic Party for Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency, Arc. Salman Idris, retired Army Generals including General Funsho Owonibi, Politicians and Traditional Rulers.
Speaking at the occasion, the Kogi Assembly Speaker charged Traditional rulers to do everything humanly possible to protect their domains.
Prince Kolawole emphasized the need for the Traditional institutions to take the front stage in restoring peace in communities across the state.
He particularly urged the Oba Solomon Owoniyi led-Okun Traditional Council to do their best to unite all Okun sons and daughters, saying unity is necessary for development.
According to the Speaker, traditional stools that are yet to be graded or upgraded would soon be considered as the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has promised to do so.
Prince Kolawole congratulated the new Olugbede on his ascension to the throne and wished him well as he pilots the affairs of his domain.
The Commissioner of Environment, Chief Victor Omofaiye felicitated with the Monarch, urging him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his duty.
The Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Olusegun in his remark said the Olugbede Stool was created in nineteen twelve and the ascension of the Chiefs have been seamless without rancour.
He used the occasion to charge the people of Ijumu to be security conscious and report suspicious persons to security agents.
The Olugbede of Gbede, Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba expressed appreciation to the Leaders and people of Gbede District for finding him worthy for the stool, assuring that he will bot disappoint them.
While explaining that his leadership will be anchored on equity, justice and fear of God, adding that he would collaborate with other Traditional Rulers to ensure effective local security.
The event which attracted other top government functionaries, featured the launching of a Book titled: “My Sojourn plus 100 Days with General Shehu Musa Yar’adua in the Death Cell” written by Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba.
The Book was reviewed by Prof. Gbenga Ibileye of Federal University, Lokoja
