Egbe Council of Chiefs Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Unity, Development, Appreciates President Tinubu, Governor Ododo, Senator Karimi’s Leadership
The Egbe Council of Chiefs has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace, unity and the continued progress of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi West Senatorial District and Kogi State.
The Council, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Chairman, Chief P S Alabi, the Irojah Otun Mirinmi, and Secretary,
Chief Babalola Femi, the
Ologun of Ijalu, on behalf of 27 other chiefs, said it remains steadfast in its resolve to preserve the dignity of the traditional institution, foster harmonious coexistence among all sons and daughters of Egbe, and support every genuine effort aimed at promoting sustainable peace, reconciliation and development within the community.
It noted that during Senator Steve Sunday Karimi’s recent visit to Egbe, he met with community elders and the Egbe Council of Chiefs, where he commended the prevailing peace and unity in the community and expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering support of the people of Egbe for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The statement affirmed that Senator Karimi acknowledged the commitment of the people of Egbe to the re-election of President Tinubu and the electoral success of all APC candidates in future elections.
However, the Council said it considers it necessary to clarify certain issues arising from recent public commentaries concerning Senator Karimi’s remarks on the Egbe traditional institution.
The statement further reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Steve Sunday Karimi never alleged that any traditional ruler or chief sought to remove the Elegbe of Egbe from office. Neither did he mention the name of any individual traditional ruler in his remarks. Any interpretation suggesting otherwise is a clear misrepresentation of what he said.
“The Distinguished Senator’s concern was simply the need to preserve the dignity, authority and sanctity of the revered Stool of the Elegbe of Egbe. He expressed concern over acts widely perceived within the community as showing disrespect to the Paramount Traditional Institution, particularly where some individuals recognised as clan heads or lesser chiefs appeared to disregard the traditional hierarchy by failing to accord the Elegbe of Egbe the honour, respect and recognition due to the Paramount Ruler under the customs and traditions of our people.
“The unfortunate incidents witnessed during and after the 2024 Egbe Day celebration, together with other actions known within the community, generated understandable concern among many sons and daughters of Egbe. While the Council believes such matters are best addressed through established traditional mechanisms rather than prolonged public exchanges, they cannot simply be ignored if lasting peace is to be achieved.
“As the highest-ranking elected public office holder from Egbe and one of the foremost political leaders in Kogi West, Senator Steve Sunday Karimi has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the peace, unity and development of Egbe and the entire Kogi West Senatorial District. His interventions have always been driven by a sincere desire to strengthen harmony, uphold the dignity of the traditional institution and advance the collective interest of our people”.
The statement titled: “Egbe Council of Chiefs Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Unity
And Development, And Appreciates the Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and Senator Steve Sunday Karimi”, continues: “The Egbe Council of Chiefs also places on record its profound appreciation for the Distinguished Senator’s outstanding contributions to the development of Egbe and Kogi West. The Council is particularly grateful for his pivotal role in the construction of the Egbe Central Palace, a landmark project that has further enhanced the dignity, prestige and cultural heritage of the Paramount Traditional Institution. The Council equally acknowledges his numerous interventions in infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, human capital development and other people-oriented projects across the Kogi West Senatorial District. These remarkable achievements have positively impacted countless lives and stand as enduring evidence of his unwavering commitment to the welfare, progress and prosperity of our people. The Council therefore expresses its sincere gratitude for his selfless service, exemplary leadership and steadfast dedication to the advancement of Egbe and Kogi West.
“Senator Steve Sunday Karimi reaffirmed during his engagement with the elders and the Council of Chiefs that he remains fully committed to reconciliation and lasting peace in Egbe and indeed in Kogi West APC family. He emphasised, however, that genuine reconciliation must be founded on truth, sincerity and mutual respect. According to the Distinguished Senator, lasting peace cannot be achieved by suppressing legitimate concerns or misrepresenting facts. He maintained that true reconciliation requires openness, honesty and a collective commitment to respecting the cherished traditional institutions that have united the people of Egbe for generations”.
In conclusion, the statement said: “The Egbe Council of Chiefs therefore calls on all sons and daughters of Egbe to embrace unity, uphold the authority and dignity of the Elegbe of Egbe, support every genuine effort towards reconciliation, and reject attempts to distort facts or create unnecessary divisions. Those who continue to fan the embers of disunity and spread misrepresentations in the public domain are urged to desist in the interest of peace and the collective good of our community. The Egbe Council of Chiefs remains united and speaks with one voice. Together, we can preserve our rich cultural heritage, strengthen our traditional institutions, and build a more united, peaceful and prosperous Egbe Community”.
Listed among co-signatories are: HRH Oba Sunday Jare
Owa of Egbe Land; HRH Oba Sunday Oluokun
Asalu of Egbe Land; HRH (Dr) Oba Olufemi Ajagbonna, Alaofin of Okoa Egbe; HRH Oba Kayode Sariyan
Oba Otun Mirinmi; HRH Oba Temitope Babalola
Odunro of Egbeland; Chief David Olufemi Charles, Onimosi of Ogbaonimosi; Chief Sunday Aremu
Agbanna of Opada Land; Chief Olutayo Kayode John, Aare of Ido Egbe Land; Chief Oluwole Nicholas
Agbanna of Apoto; Chief Bolaji Akure, Esho of Ododi; Chief S F Fognonjaiye
Ologun of Ododi; Chief Dare Ajayi, Ologun of Isaba; Chief Ayodele Aina
Ologun of Ido Egbe; Chief Dayo Samuel, Ashin of Otun Mirinmi; Chief Abayomi Oju, Agbanna of Ijalu; Chief Sanya Amujo
Agbanna of Odo Owon;
Chief Sunday David
Akogun of Okeleri; Chief Olajide,Agbanna of Ogbaonimosi; Chief Ayo Ogungbemi, Agbanna of Okedisin; Chief Samuel Babalola, Odofin Ero of Opada; Chief Idowu Oni
Olu Odo of Ododi; Chief (Mrs) Olushola Badmus
Elu of Egbe Land; Chief ( Mrs ) Olorinshola Ajayi,
Okoti of Egbe Land; Chief ( Mrs ) Feyisike Ajayi
Ogbomoya of Egbe Land; Chief (Mrs) Abosede Akure, Ojua of Okedisin and Iyaloja of Egbeland and Chief ( Mrs) Aduke Ayo, Esho Birin of Okedisin.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 5TH AUGUST, 2026)
