Protocol
Your Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello (CON), the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Honourable minister of information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris Malaga.Your Excellencies, other State Governors here present,
Your Royal Majesty, Alaji Matthew Opaluwa Oguche, President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs, Other Royal Majesties here present. Your Royal Highnesses, the Ohis and all respected Traditional Rulers here present.
Introduction :
Today, more than ever before, I give gratitude to Allah (SWT), the exalted and most high, whose ways are unique in all ramifications. I appreciate enormously, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello who Allah has used to facilitate the purpose of our gathering here today. I stand before you humbled and honoured, as 1 receive the staff of office to assume the tremendous responsibility of the traditional rulership of Koton-Karfe kingdom. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your unwavering support and trust through which I find the strength and determination to take on this noble role. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our revered elders and kingmakers for their wisdom and guidance.
Their legacy serves as a guiding light, and I vow to carry forward the traditions and values that have shaped our Kingdom for generations.
Brief Antecedent
our Excellency sir, Koton-Karfe kingdom is an ancient kingdom with historical antecedent, Selection of the Ohimege has been an unambiguous tradition and my select not an exception.
Permit me, your Excellency, to chronicle the process that culminate’d our gathering here today; on the 27th April, 2012, the Odaki ruling house selected me to occupy the vacant Ohimege stool; on the 29th April, 2012, the king makers endorsed the nomination and forwarded the report to the Kogi Local Government area Traditional Council also endorsed my nomination on the 4th of May, 2012; on the 14th May, 2012, the Lokoja / Kogi Koton-Karfe area Traditional Council also endorsed my selection; the state council of Chiefs finally endorsed the report before it was submitted to the then State Governor, Alhaji Idris Wada at the Lugard house.A politically induced committee was put in place and the result was a subversion of our cherished tradition and due process. As as fervent believer in the wish of Allah and a strong advocate of peaceful coexistence,I resolved not to challenge the action in court but to leave everything in the hands of Allah,the ‘Disposer of all affairs. I thank Allah for seeing this day and thank the government of Kogi State under the able leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the boldness in righting a monumental wrong.
By this Singular action, he has Saved our cherished age long traditional institution from public ridicule and Prevented the rubbishing of the decision of our kingmakers. Today, three Out of four of the kingmakers are not here to witness this occasion, The least we can do for them is
dedicate today in memory of their selfless services to our kingdom and pray to Allah
rest their Souls.
Charge for Cooperation:
Your Excellency, distinguished guests, for any community to develop there must be peace, unity and cooperation.
Koton-Karfe (Igu) kingdom is well documented as a peace loving, united and accommodating community. I call on every son and daughter of the kingdom, at home and in the diaspora, to be united and promote our collective values and cultural antecedents to ensure the continuous growth of our kingdom. Let us eschew crime, criminality and other vices that are alien to our culture and inimical to the development of our kingdom. I shall work with all well-meaning sons and daughters of the kingdom to promote the welfare of our people. I shall promote justice and fairness in all ramifications as these are the basic ingredients for peace and progress in our communities. Koton-Karfe kingdom has direct border with the Federal Capital Territory yet, has a near zero federal presence. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal government to take advantage of the peace, security and the physical location of Koton-karfe Kingdom to locate prominent parastatals and institutions in the Kingdom. I also appeal to both the federal and state government to consider Sons and daughters of Koton-Karfe in distribution of appointments both at federal and state levels.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, I promise to serve with Humility, Integrity and Dedication and to uphold the traditions and values of our kingdom. I will be a listening ear, a strong advocate a bridge builder. My doors will always be open and your voices will always be heard. With your support and the grace of Allah, I am confident that we will create a future with pride, harmony and boundless opportunities. Thank you all and may our Kingdom continue to thrive and flourish under our shared vision. God bless you all.
His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu,the Ohimegye Igu Kingdom.
