,,,,, His Royal Highness is a distinguished alumnus of ABU, Zaria.
By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government has officially announced the appointment of His Royal Highness, Oba Shola Adebola Samuel, as the new Olugbagun of Igbagun Kingdom in Yagba East Local Government Area of the state.
The appointment, conveyed in an official letter dated May 22, 2025, from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, marks the beginning of a new era for the historic Igbagun Kingdom, which had been without a traditional ruler since the passing of the late monarch, Oba Joshua Adeyemi, on October 3, 2024.
Oba Shola Adebola Samuel, a distinguished son of Igbagun, brings to the throne a wealth of experience garnered from decades of service in education, administration, journalism, politics, and community leadership.
His sterling record of public service and grassroots engagement makes him a revered figure among the Okun people, the Okun-speaking population of Kogi State.
Born on July 10, 1959, the new Olugbagun, who is second class status,is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
A retired public servant, he rose to the rank of Director (Special Grade) and served in various strategic capacities, including Director of Protocol at the Kogi State Government House and Director General, Kogi State Liaison Office in Abuja.
His Royal Highness also served as Director of Local Government Administration, Liaison Officer (LO1) to Yagba East, and Departmental Security Officer (DSO) for Kogi West.
Beyond public service, he played a pivotal role in youth mobilization and leadership as the pioneer President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Yagba Chapter) and a key stakeholder in the Kogi State chapter of the Council.
A respected journalist and member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oba Samuel is also an executive member of the Patients’ Organisation of Nigeria (POHAN) in Kogi State and currently serves as the Director General of the Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide Foundation.
The elevation of Oba Shola Adebola Samuel to the revered stool of Olugbagun signifies not only a restoration of royal leadership in Igbagun but also a renewed hope for cultural heritage, unity, and development across the kingdom.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
