Bunu Kingdom Celebrates Monarch’s Centenary Birthday and 64th Anniversary
By Olugbemi Femi
The people of Bunu Kingdom gathered to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 100th birthday and 64th anniversary of their monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Adebayo Joseph Ikusemoro.
The event was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Deputy Governor of Kogi State who represented Governor Usman Ododo and marked a significant milestone in the monarch’s life and reign.
The chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Professor Emeritus Olu Obafemi, who was represented at the occasion by Dr. Emmanuel Abanida commended the efforts of the committee members and Bunu sons and daughters for making the event a reality.
He acknowledged the state government’s support and cooperation, which was crucial in hosting the event despite the recent security challenges in the area.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Bunu Development Association (BDA), Pastor Kolawole Johnson Folorunsho, commended the state government under Governor Usman Ododo’s leadership for its efforts in steering the state towards progress and development.
He highlighted significant improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth, and appreciated the governor for appointing worthy sons and daughters of Bunuland to serve in different political offices.
He also commended the governor’s unwavering commitment to security and safety in the state, particularly in Bunuland, which had faced serious security challenges.
He also appealed to the governor to construct several roads in Bunuland, including the Edumo- Okeofin- Ayede-Olle-Iluke road, Igbo – Odogbo-Iluke road, and Ofere – Ihale – Taki road.
He also urged the governor to direct the Executive Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area to commence the grading of other roads in the area including Aiyegunle-Igun – Aduratedo Ape- Igori -Aherin-Eshi road, Ofere – Ihale – Taki road and Okebukun – Edumo – Okeoffin bye pass road
In his good will message, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman Okun Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Owoniyi, congratulated the Olubunu of Bunu Kingdom on this momentous occasion.
He acknowledged the monarch’s positive disposition and leadership, and urged the people to continue giving him their cooperation and support.
The Secretary of Bunu Traditional Council, Olu of Aiyegunle-Igun, speaking on behalf of the council, endorsed the speech of the BDA President-General.
He appealed to the state government to upgrade the road infrastructure in the district, emphasizing the need for better connectivity.
The monarch also expressed gratitude to Governor Usman Ododo for grading and upgrading traditional rulers in the district during the last grading exercises.
He praised the governor for being a promise keeper, acknowledging his commitment to fulfilling his promises.
The elder son of the monarch, Prince Adediran Ikusemoro, spoke on behalf of the family, expressing their joy in witnessing this momentous occasion in their father’s life.
Prince Adediran noted that his father, Oba Adebayo Joseph Ikusemoro, was first crowned as the Obaro of Olle-Bunu.
Before he then became the Olubunu of Bunu Kingdom on August 1st, 1961, after being appointed by the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
He described Oba Adebayo Joseph Ikusemoro as an embodiment of wisdom, knowledge, and history, having been crowned in 1961 by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the then Northern region.
Prince Adediran highlighted his father’s strictness, high discipline, and truthfulness, noting that these qualities had sometimes led to challenges during his reign.
He shared an anecdote about how his father’s strictness and commitment to speaking the truth nearly led to his deposition by a former Governor of Kogi State, but attributed his father’s survival to divine intervention.
Prince Adediran also reflected on his father’s contemporaries, noting that many of them, such as Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Dagogo Jack, Sultan of Sokoto Ibrahim Dasuki, and Mammah Nasir, are no longer alive.
Dignitaries present at the occasion include, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Chief (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayoade, Hon. (Arc.) Salman Idris, member representing Kabba/Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency, Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole, former speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Wemimo Jones, Commissioner for Education, Dr Aderigbe, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Executive chairman Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu Local Government Areas, Barrister Dare Michael and Hon. Haruna Ibrahim, Hon Juwon Olorunipa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Art and Culture, Hon. (Mrs) Comfort Obaromi, Council Lead, Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council and other Councilors, etc
