The Odeyani Anegbira of Lokoja in the middle, flanked by members of the Forum in a group photograph during the royal father’s visit on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The royal visit in session.
In a grand gesture of unity and reconciliation, the Odeyani Anegbira-designate of Lokoja, Alhaji Abdulkarim Obeito, has vowed to be a father to all Egbira people in Lokoja, regardless of past differences.
During a “Thank You” visit to the Kogi Centre for Peace and Development Initiative (KCPD), also known as the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum, on Wednesday,the revered royal figure expressed his deep appreciation for the forum’s support, which contributed to his selection for the prestigious throne.
Acknowledging the wisdom and experience of the group’s elders, the Odeyani Anegbira announced that Chief Moses Onivehu and Hajia Ladi Ibrahim would serve as his royal “Father” and “Mother,” guiding him in his leadership responsibilities.
The royal father, who led the forum through the processes that resulted in his emergence as the Odeyani Anegbira of Lokoja, described his selection as a testament to the people’s verdict and an act of God.
Alhaji Obeito assured his subjects of his commitment to peace and development, revealing that he has already established a reconciliation committee to engage with his former co-contestants.
His goal, he emphasized, is to foster harmony in piloting the affairs of the Egbira community in Lokoja.
The 70-year-old traditional ruler urged his people to embrace love and unity while calling on the youth to uphold respect for elders and cultural values.
With his formal installation fast approaching, the royal father disclosed that central and subcommittees had been set up to ensure a smooth and successful coronation ceremony in Lokoja.
He further outlined his vision, which includes construction of a befitting palace for the Odeyani Anegbira.completion of the Ebira Peoples Association Secretariat in Lokoja.pursuit of a First-Class Royal Status for the Odeyani Anegbira title.
The Chairman of the KCPD, Dr. Haroun Opotu Yussuff, congratulated the new traditional ruler and pledged the forum’s unwavering support in ensuring the success of his reign.
In her remarks, Hajia Ladi Ibrahim urged the Odeyani Anegbira to embrace all members of the Egbira community as his subjects, irrespective of their stance during the selection process and maintain cordial relationship with his title holders(Daudus) to ensure peace reign.
Many members of the Forum, including Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Chief Steve Yakubu, retired Col.Simpa, Chief Bola Boro and Mohammed Baba Sadig witnessed the occasion.
As Lokoja prepares to witness a historic coronation, all eyes are on the new Odeyani Anegbira, whose reign promises to usher in a new era of unity, development, and cultural renaissance for the Egbira people in Lokoja.
