Ayetoro Gbede, the headquarters of the Gbede Kingdom in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, was full of life on Saturday as dignitaries attended the maiden Gbede Day, a celebration of the unity and culture of the Gbede people.
The event, which is the first of its kind since the existence of the Kingdom, featured the launching of N500,000,000 for the building of the Palace of Olugbede, a stool that has existed for 112 years without a central palace.
Among dignitaries at the event are Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, who was a former High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Republic of Cameroon; a member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Arc. Salman Idris; a caretaker chairman of the Ijumu Local Government Area, Alh. Haruna Ibrahim; and HRM. Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni.
Others are the Yeye Oba of Iyara land, Amb. Funmilayo Bodunde, represented by Mrs. Adejoke Oluwakorede, Kogi State National Population Commission (NPC) Commissioner, Hon. Yori Afolabi,
Kogi State Director General Project Monitoring, Taufiq Isah and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths and Students Matters, Comrade Oladele John Nihi, just to mention but a few.
Speaking at the occasion, the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, described culture as a vehicle for promoting peace and progress in any society.
General Olonisakin, who is an in-law of the Ayetoro Gbede Community, applauded the vision of the organisers, describing it as a step in the right direction towards restoring the cultures and traditions of the Kingdom.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Maj. Gen. Yakubu Usman, congratulated the Olugbede of Gbede, Oba Colonel (rtd) Olusegun Oloruntoba, and the people of Gbede Kingdom on the successful hosting of the epoch-making event.
Maj. Gen. Usman, who was conferred with the honorary chieftaincy title of Gbobaniyi of Gbede Land, described the programme as thoughtful and timely, especially the proposed building of a palace for the Olugbede.
He urged the people of Gbede Land to come together and support the realisation of the edifice palace, which, according to him, is long overdue.
Also speaking, the Caretaker Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alh. Haruna Ibrahim, extended his felicitations to the Traditional Rulers, a people of Gbede Kingdom, saying his administration will support any move that will protect the image of the Ijumu Kingdom.
He used the opportunity to solicit the support of the people of the local government in tackling insecurity challenges by reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.
Also speaking, the Olujumu of the Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, expressed delight over the reawakening of the culture and traditions of the Ijumu people.
According to him, “Without mincing words, Gbede people have really demonstrated that they are the eldest of the three brothers that set the foundation of Ijumu Communities.”
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 elated Olujumu of Ijumu, however, expressed disappointment over what he called the “present trend in Gbede where ascension to the vacant stools of the demised Royal Father is becoming more difficult,” saying the incident is already causing division in the district.
On his part, the National President of the Gbede Development Union, Chief Israel Oshafunmi, stated that the need for togetherness and unity necessitated the programme.
Chief Oshafunmi, while expressing his gladness that the ceremony happened during his own time, thanked the Gbede Traditional Rulers for their support.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Oba David Faleke, noted that the programme was aimed at fostering unity in the Gbede Kingdom.
The event also featured the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles to some Gbede illustrious sons and their wives.
Those honoured are Maj. Gen. J.O.S. Oshanupin as Otun Bobajiro of Gbede Land, Major General Funsho Owonibi as Balogun of Gbede Land, Arc. Salman Idris as Atuluse of Gbede, Dr Michael Ayodele Bello as Bobajunwa of Gbede Kingdom, and Engr. Ibitola Oludemi as Abobadaro of Gbede Land.
Maj. Gen. Oshanupin, while responding on behalf of the Chieftaincy title holders, expressed appreciation to Oba Oloruntoba and the people of Gbede Land, saying the honour will spur them to do more for God and humanity.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 16th November governorship…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has thwarted a desperate attempt by a woman,…
APM Terminals Apapa announced on Sunday that it recorded its highest monthly export volume since…
The traditional ruler of Nimo Community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, His…
“When we started, it was challenging, and I almost ran away from...
"Preliminary findings suggest that the driver of one of the articulated trucks, reportedly driving at…
This website uses cookies.