In this interview, Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola, a former Managing Director of Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust Newspapers, spoke on his recent appointment and installation as Akogun of Ife-Olukotun in his hometown in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The ceremony was well attended by personalities from far and near.
Congratulations on your recent appointment as the Shaba Akogun of Ife-Olukotun, your hometown. By this appointment, you are the second in command to the Olukotun; how do you feel?
First of all, I would like to correct you on the title you called ‘Shaba Akogun.’ It is simply ‘Akogun of Ife-Olukotun. The appellation, ‘Shaba’ was introduced to it during the inter-tribal war with the Nupes, whom we have historical ties with. They used to call the second in command to the reigning traditional ruler the ‘Shaba’ in their language.
The peculiarity of the name, Shaba gained popularity among the people, due partly to the fact that the community is of Muslim majority, with strong political affinity with northern Nigeria. However, this appellation has been expunged and now simply called ‘Akogun.’ That’s what it was long before the wars.
Expectedly, I feel highly honoured to have been bestowed with this title by my people.
Did the appointment come to you as a surprise?
It did not come to me as a surprise as such. Indeed, I was reluctant to take it for some time until every indication pointed to the fact that I had to vie for it from my clan. This was essentially because I have made modest and feasible contributions to the development of the town in my own little way. At the same time, I am one of the prominent princes of the town, who was judged to be qualified.
Can you talk about the process that culminated in your emergence as the Akogun of Ife-Olukotun?
The processes started with the indication of interest by clans and eligible candidates, made to the Olukotun of Ife-Olukotun, a first class traditional ruler in Kogi State. The Olukotun thereafter consulted with the “Afobajes” and the relevant traditional councils and thereafter made the pronouncement based on the customs and tradition of the town.
What is the significance of this title?
The title is significant for the fact that the position of the Olukotun of Ife-Olukotun itself has a very rich historical antecedent. For example, the position of Olukotun of Ife-Olukotun was first graded to a third class position in 1918 during the colonial rule, specifically when the late HRH Oba Ajibola Asejogba was a paramount ruler. Right now, the position is occupied by HRM Alhaji Shuibu Aiyegbajeje Mohammed, a first class traditional ruler in the state.
The Akogun is he who has the backbone to support the Olukotun in running the affairs of the community. This indeed made the position significant in the history of the town. The Akogun is supposed to offer quality advice and give necessary support to the Olukotun and his council at all times.
How would you describe the reception you have received from the people and other traditional rulers in the area since your emergence?
The reception is overwhelming. I was pleasantly surprised to see the large crowd at the installation ceremony and the joy in the people. The fact that the position has not been filled for about 15 years now due to the delayed coronation of the Olukotun himself after the death of his predecessor made it a sort of excitement to all.
You spent most part of your life in the media, public relations and business sectors; how would you blend and acclimatise to your new role as a royal father?
Let me make another correction here. I am not going to assume any full responsibility in running the town in any way. The Olukotun of Ife, with his chiefs in council, will do that. He is a well educated personality. He is agile and providing the required leadership to the town. In fact, it will take someone like me some time to learn from him. I will only visit my hometown more to participate in the affairs of the traditional council, especially when the need arises.
What are your plans for the development and progress of Ife-Olukotun?
As I indicated above, it is not my reign as such. I am going to be under the Olukotun of Ife, providing the necessary support and advice.
How would you use your influence to galvanise and advance the development of the area?
God willing, we shall continue to do that to the best of our ability. This gives me the opportunity to thank past governors of Kogi State, particularly Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (Bamitanse of Ife-Olukotun) and Capt Idris Ichalla Wada, both of whom I have robust relationships with, and whom I had discussed the affairs of the community with at one time or another when they were governors. Those discussions yielded results.
Similarly, I must thank Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, whom I have good relationship with, and who has done well for the community. I believe this will continue. In fact, we are currently talking to a non-governmental organisation to bring some infrastructure to the community.
Which area would you like both the state and federal governments to focus on in terms of development in Ife-Olukotun and Yagba in general?
Like most communities in Nigeria, the basic infrastructure requirements are not there, or are in total decadence. The major road that leads to the town, constructed over 10 years ago, is already waning so badly. Similarly, the water dam rehabilitation and reticulation project in the area requires additional funding.
Recently, the community raised about N12 million to support the running of our general hospital, which was in comatose.
Both the federal and state governments have one project or another they need to complete or revisit in the community and surrounding towns and villages.
What words of advice do you have for the people of Ife-Olukotun, especially the youth?
Generally speaking, my advice for the people is to be peaceful and law abiding at all times. Specifically, I would urge the youth to be patient and see opportunities in their difficulties. There are great challenges from all spheres in the country right now and this requires patience, wisdom and necessary determination to navigate. The tendency to look for a shortcut to success is the bane of the society.
In the past you nursed the ambition to seek a political office to serve your people; won’t this traditional appointment affect such ambition?
You can see from the foregoing that taking a title in my hometown cannot in any way stop me from playing other meaningful roles in the society, especially when I am not the de facto traditional ruler. I think I will still play an active role to advance my personal interest. As you know, I need the required resources to support my family, community, religion etc. These are very important to me, and in sha Allah, will not be derailed.
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