There was a blend of personalities and style as the Ohimegye of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom in Kogi Local Government Council of Kogi State, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Alhaji Abdulrazak Isah Koto, turbaned two commissioners in the state and 37 others.
The event, which took place recently, saw the turbaning of the State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Idris Ashiru Asiwaju and Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Alh. Abubakar Bashir Gegu as the Turaki and Onaki-Ireku of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom respectively.
Prominent personalities given traditional titles included Alhaji Usman Sani Adabo, of the Nigeria Customs Service as the Sardauna of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom, Kogi Local Government Director of Finance, Alhaji Yusuf Ohikura, as Matawallen Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom, Hajiya Khadijat Man Danjuma, as Waziliya of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom, Alhaji Alhaji Suleiman Adawari Usman, as Omoku of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom, Alhaji Suleiman A.D Gegu, as Dan Isan of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom.
The ceremony at the Ohimegye’s palace also witnessed the presence of various traditional rulers across the Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom, community leaders, top government officials, politicians, party stalwarts and some business magnates within and outside the state.
Also present were Ebgira sons and daughters from outside the kingdom, Egbira local musicians and drummers alongside various masquerades to entertain the mammoth crowd that converged in front of the monarch’s palace to showcase their peculiar cultures.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Commissioner of Finance, who was turbaned with the traditional title of the Turakin Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom, said the title conferred on him was a clear indication that the monarch has identified with the contribution he has been making towards the development of the entire Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom.
He added that the title would push him to do more for the kingdom, and commended the monarch for finding him worthy.
“And I shall also work closely with my colleague, the Commissioner for Solid mineral, Engr Abubakar Bashir Gegu, towards ensuring that the abundant mineral resources are tapped for the development and benefits of the good people of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom and the state in general,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Solid minerals, Alh Gegu, an engineer and the new Ondaki-Ireku, thanked the monarch for bestowing him with the title and said the monarch has done well for the entire people of the kingdom, which he said has been witnessing rapid development since he ascended the throne.
A House of Representatives member for Kogi-Lokoja federal constituency, Barrister Ibrahim Shaba, described the ceremony as a momentous occasion where the monarch identified with “illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom.”
He congratulated the kingdom and all recipients of the new titles while urging them to continue to pray and support the monarch to enable him to succeed in piloting the affairs of his subjects.
The Ohimegye of Igu-Koton Karfe kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Alhaji Abdulrazak Isah Koto, said the decision to identify and honour some of the individuals was because of their sterling and exceptional contributions to the development of the kingdom.
He said the recipients have contributed a lot, especially in the area of service to humanity, utmost welfare to women and children, employment, empowerment of the youths, education, investment, religion, and above all, security.
The monarch said while the kingdom celebrates the turbaning, he hopes and prays that the unity and cooperation that is unfolding will continue. He also urged his subjects to pray that God almighty continues to keep the entire residents of the kingdom under one roof.
