The recent appointment of Chief Dele Owoniyi as the new Obaro of Kabba by the Kogi State government is generating discordant tunes as the Ilajo Royal Family of Kabba said it has rejected the choice of the new first class traditional ruler.
Ilajo royal descendants which comprise Mokelu, Ajinuhi and Ajibohokun Ruling Houses, described as an aberration, the choice of Chief Owoniyi who is from a "suburban village of Odolu" which is a separate settlement outside Kabba with its own second class traditional ruler.
The Ilajo royal family made this position known in a statement jointly signed by Chief Mark Olowosayo of Ajinuhi Ruling House; Chief Stephen Ojo Bebeyi of Ajibohokun Ruling House and Chief Paul Toluhi of Mokelu Ruling House.
The statement said the appointment was not done in consonance with the tradition and culture of Kabba/Oweland and therefore, called on the Kogi State government and Governor Yahaya Bello not to accept "the temptation of playing politics with the sensitive traditional, cultural and spiritual sentiments and values of the people of Kabba and Oweland".
But reacting, the Director General on Media and Publicity to the Kogi State Governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo said, "The appointment was done in line with due process. Government took its time to ensure the right thing was done.
"Appointment of Chiefs is not a process that starts and ends with Government. The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs did a thorough job that can stand the test of time.
"In every contest, there is bound to be a winner. The winner must be magnanimous in victory. We urge the people to give peace a chance in order to ensure development".
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