THE Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Saturday said the state government followed due process in the appointment and enthronement of the new Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi.
The governor said this in Kabba, headquarters of Kabba/Bunu local government area of the state at the presentation of staff of office to the monarch.
According to him, the government took the necessary steps to ensure that the process was devoid of flaws.
He said immediately batter the demise of the last Obaro, late Michael Olabayo, the government say up a panel of enquiry to look into the chieftaincy issue with the aim of removing issues that could lead to crisis.
Bello said, “I recall as a child growing up in Okene the series of crisis which erupted in Kabba in the late eighties/early nineties as a result of the appointment of an Obaro. This compelled the government of the day to set up Panels of Enquiry which ultimately led to a government white paper to guide ascensions to the throne of the Obaro of Kabba.
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“As a sitting Governor in Kogi State leading a New Direction Administration which believes in the rule of law, I made sure that due process and applicable customs and traditions of Kabba people were strictly followed in the choice and appointment of the successor to the late Obaro, Oba Micheal Olabayo.
“Oba Solomon Owoyini’s selection satisfied the following due process requirements; Adheres to the existing laws guiding the selection of an Obaro of Kabba – Edict No. 12 of 1995 titled ‘Obaro of Kabba, Filling of Chieftaincy vacancies and Guidelines for the Rotation of Ololu Titles.’
“Respects the existing Rotational arrangement amongst the Kabba, Odolu and Katu Ruling Houses in the Kabba Kingdom; Conforms with the choice of the Kabba Kingmakers.
The governor, however, said he was glad that Kabba town has been peaceful since the appointment of the monarch, saying it was an indication that government got the processes right and made the right choice.
Bello, while saluting the courage of the other contestants to the throne, also appealed to the Obaro to extend his hand of fellowship to them and implored them to also cooperate with the Obaro in moving Kabba, the capital of the Okun nation forward.
The traditional ruler, however, called for unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Kabba.
The Obaro said, “I want to seize this opportunity to thank the people for their support and at the same time call to continue peaceful coexistence among my peoples as we are one indivisible people.
“We have no other place to call our own, except this town and I will continue to him engage in those things that will strengthen the unity of Kabba.”
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