Monarchs from the Egbe part of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State have called on the Governor of the State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to prevail on the Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Sunday Karimi, to stop interfering with and altering the traditional processes for filling vacant royal stools and chieftaincies.
In a swift reaction, Senator Karimi stated that he has no interest in the matter, claiming that those dragging his name into it are simply seeking cheap popularity.
However, the Ighare of Okoa, His Royal Highness Oba Adedoyin Bolaji, speaking on behalf of a group of traditional chiefs in Lokoja, emphasized that as one of the longest-serving traditional chiefs in Yagba West and the oldest in tenure in Egbe, he holds the privilege and responsibility to understand the technicalities involved in installing vacant stools in Egbe, Yagba West, and Yagba generally.
They stated that the Ighare Ijalu is due for reinstallation since the last occupant passed away nearly two years ago, and two candidates have come forward with their interests.
According to them, the names of the interested candidates for the Ighare Ijalu are Sunday Oluokun and Biodun Daudu. They argued that Sunday Oluokun’s nomination is not in accordance with tradition because he belongs to the same family as the immediate past Ighare Ijalu, and the tradition prohibits double succession.
They added that the immediate past Ighare Ijalu served for 41 years, making it only fair for Biodun Daudu to represent his side of the family as it is their turn, and he is the only one genuinely interested.
They emphasized that Egbe is made up of 12 clans/villages, with the Ighares ruling 6 and the Eyin Odis ruling the other 6. While the Eyin Odis have their own system, the Ighares follow a rotational system, filling the stool from another family.
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According to them, thugs suspected to be sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi and Sunday Oluokun attacked them, shooting guns and throwing stones and bottles into the compound of Biodun Daudu, damaging the vehicle of the Ologun of Odo Owo, former Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Hon. (Chief) Gbenga Asagun, who also sustained an injury.
Other Obas who were attacked by the thugs and hooligans include the Oba of Okoha, Oba Adedoyin Bolaji; Oba of Ilemla, Oba Victor Rotimi Dada; Oba of Ijagan, Oba Ore Abolade; and Oba of Ido Egbe, Oba Odofin Babalola.
A number of Ologuns who were also attacked include the Ologun of Iloko, who is also the Secretary of the Egbe Council of Traditional Chiefs, Chief Dare Folorunsho, among others.
The traditional chiefs have called on the general public to hold Senator Sunday Karimi and Sunday Oluokun accountable if any insecurity befalls them, as they can’t sleep with both eyes closed in Egbe and have had to seek refuge in Lokoja.
It was also reported that Sunday Oluokun led thugs to break into the conclave for an irregular coronation, which was rejected by the Egbe Council of Traditional Chiefs because the proper processes were not followed.
They urged the Governor to intervene so that Senator Sunday Karimi and his alleged candidate do not use power and money to distort the fair tradition of rotation in filling vacant stools as practiced by the Ighares.
In his swift reaction, Senator Karimi reiterated that he has no interest in the chieftaincy dispute, emphasizing that those dragging his name into it are merely seeking cheap popularity.
He stated that these individuals are attempting to achieve cheap notoriety and stressed that he has no personal interest in who occupies the chieftaincy position in Egbe, nor does he plan to interfere in such matters.
His comments came in response to a press conference held by His Royal Highness Oba Adeniyi Bolaji and others, which some social media outlets reported. They accused him of meddling in the selection of a new leader for the Ighare Ijalu community.
Senator Karimi expressed that his primary responsibility is to provide quality representation for all the people of Kogi West Senatorial District while fulfilling his legislative duties at the National Assembly. He stressed that interfering in community matters with established rules and regulations regarding succession would be a disservice to his constituents.
“I am focused on ensuring that critical projects such as the repair of the Kabba – Egbe – Ilorin, Kabba – Omuo, and Aiyegunle – Iluke – Kiri – Eggan roads are completed. I’m also working on the ongoing remodeling of GSS Koton Karfe and the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the seven local governments in Kogi West. With all these commitments, I simply don’t have the time to get involved in community chieftaincy issues.”
Senator Karimi further highlighted that he represents eighty-five wards and numerous communities at the national level. He questioned how it would make sense for him to abandon his larger responsibilities for a matter that should be resolved by the community elders. He also mentioned his initiative to establish a Military Forward Operating Base in Egbe to combat insecurity in the area, reinforcing his commitment to peace and development for both the community and the region as a whole.
The senator concluded by urging the public to recognize that he does not engage in any form of violence, thuggery, or other social vices, and he has certainly not sent any thugs to attack anyone over the chieftaincy dispute. He reiterated that the people should focus on resolving their issues without involving his name.
