Ayetoro-Gbede, the headquarters of Gbede Kingdom in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State recently celebrated Gbede Day, with dignitaries from all walks of life in attendance.
The event which was the first of its kind, witnessed the launching of N500 million for the building of the Olugbede’s palace.
Among dignitaries at the event are former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin; the member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, Honourable Salman Idris; caretaker chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim and the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni.
Others are the Yeye Oba of Iyaraland, Ambassador Funmilayo Bodunde, represented by Mrs. Adejoke Oluwakorede; Kogi State National Population Commission (NPC) Commissioner, Yori Afolabi; Director-General, Project Monitoring, Kogi State, Taufiq Isah and Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths and Students Matters, Oladele John Nihi.
General Olonisakin described culture as a vehicle for promoting peace and progress in any society.
Olonisakin, an in-law of Ayetoro-Gbede community applauded the vision of the organisers and described the event as a step in the right direction towards restoring the culture and tradition of the kingdom.
In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Major-General Yakubu Usman, congratulated the Olugbede of Gbede, Oba Olusegun Oloruntoba and the people of Gbede kingdom on the successful hosting of the event.
General Usman, who was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Gbobaniyi of Gbedeland, described the programme as thoughtful and timely, especially the proposed building of palace for the Olugbede.
He urged the people of Gbedeland to come together and support the realisation of the palace, which, according to him, is long overdue.
Also, the local government area chairman felicitated with traditional rulers in the council and the people of Gbede Kingdom, saying his administration will always support any move that will protect the image of Ijumu Kingdom.
Oba Ayeni expressed delight over the reawakening of the culture and traditions of Ijumu people.
“Without mincing words, Gbede people have really demonstrated that they are the eldest of the three brothers that set the foundation of Ijumu communities,” Oba Ayeni said.
He urged the other two districts to emulate Gbede by sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Ijumu Kingdom and commended the Olugbede of Gbede for laying a solid foundation
The Olujumu of Ijumu, however, expressed disappointment over the ascension to vacant stools of Gbede kingdom which has become difficult in recent times, saying the issue is already causing division in the district.
On his part, the national president of Gbede Development Union (GDU), Chief Israel Oshafunmi stated that the need for togetherness and unity necessitated the programme.
Chief Oshafunmi, while expressing happiness that the ceremony happened during his lifetime, thanked Gbede traditional rulers for their support.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the event, Oba David Faleke, noted that the programme was aimed at fostering unity in Gbede kingdom.
The event also featured conferment of chieftaincy titles to some Gbede indigenes, including Major-General J.O.S. Oshanupin as Otun Bobajiro of Gbedeland; Major-General Funsho Owonibi as Balogun of Gbedeland; Salman Idris, Atuluse of Gbede; Dr. Michael Ayodele Bello as Bobajunwa of Gbede kingdom and Ibitola Oludemi as Abobadaro of Gbedeland.
While responding on behalf of the new chiefs, Oshanupin, appreciated Oba Oloruntoba and the people of Gbedeland for the honour, saying it will spur them to do more for God and humanity.
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