Group Petitions Kogi Govt, DSS, Police over undue delay in issuing appointment letter to traditional ruler
A group under the auspices of
representatives of the Kabba Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area which comprises family heads in Kogi State have petitioned the State Government, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police force over the undue delay in the issuance of letter of appointment to one Chief Julius Arokoyo as Obadofin of Owe land.
In a petition dated 28th February 2025 which was signed by 14 family heads, Traditional Rulers and four screening committee members accused the Obaro of Kabba , Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, of allegedly attempting to impose a candidate of his choice on the community, which is a clear violation of it established customs and traditions.
The petition noted that the continued delay in issuing the appointment letter is breeding unnecessary tension and unrest in the community.
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“We, the undersigned representatives of the Kabba community, comprising family heads, elders, and members of the screening committee, write to formally express our deep concerns regarding the prolonged delay in issuing the letter of appointment to Chief Julius Arokoyo, who has been duly recommended as the Obadofin of Oweland.
“This delay, despite the adherence to the due process of traditional ruler appointments in Kabba, is causing significant tension and uncertainty within our community.
“We note with concern that while traditional rulers in other parts of Kogi State have received their official letters of appointment after fulfilling the necessary requirements, the case of the Obadofin of Oweland has been unnecessarily stalled.
“The process of appointing an Obadofin is deeply rooted in our tradition, requiring that the individual must have previously held a traditional title.
“It is essential to emphasize that, in Okun tradition, no single individual—no matter his status—has the unilateral power to appoint a traditional ruler. Kabba, like every other Okun community, follows a collective decision-making process where the will of the people is paramount. As the elders always say:
“There can be a community without a ruler, but there cannot be a ruler without a community ”
“ The people of Kabba are becoming increasingly agitated, as they see this delay as an unjustified attempt to deny them their rightful leader. If this situation is not resolved promptly, it could escalate into civil disobedience, protests, or worse, communal strife.
“We strongly urge the government and security agencies to take preemptive action to prevent a breakdown of law and order by ensuring that the will of the people is respected.
“Any attempt to force an unpopular candidate on the community may result in resistance and conflict, which could have serious consequences for the peace and stability of Kabba and the entire Okunland”.
The group, however, urged the Government of Kogi State to immediately issue the letter of appointment to Chief Julius Arokoyo as the Obadofin of Oweland, having been duly selected through the proper traditional process.
” The DSS and the Nigeria Police Force should take urgent steps to monitor and prevent any further manipulations or interference by external forces, including traditional authorities, seeking to undermine the people’s choice.
“We are appealing to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that due process is followed, as it has been done for other communities in the state, without favoritism or undue external influence. They should caution the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, against interfering in a process that does not fall within his sole jurisdiction, to prevent avoidable crises”the group added.
List of Family Heads, Elders, and Committee Members that signed the petition are Oba Michael Ibinaiye, Obajemu of Oweland Odolu Ogbagi , Oba Joseph Osatuyi, Oba Odolu Odolu Ijemu and Head of Odolu ruling group, Chief Eseyin Joseph (The Obadu of Oweland) Family Head Katu Atipa , Chief Coleman Eseyin (Obamudo of Oweland) Family Head Katu Abata, and Chief Paul Abraham
(The Obarayo of Oweland) Family Head Katu Isoro .
Other members of the group that signed the petition are Chief Benjamin Olodogbo (Obatokose of Oweland) Family Head Kabba Ilemila, Chief Adegboyega Aka (Obafoun of Oweland) Family Head Kabba Idogba , Chief Joseph A. Abolusoro (Obayomaye of Oweland) Family Head Kabba Odogba , Chief Esi John Ajayi (Obagbami of Oweland) Family Head Kabba Ugbo, and Chief Matthew Tolorunleke (Obagbayi of Oweland) Family Head Odolu Ogbagi,
Chief Aiyeditan Oluwole (Obafero of Oweland Asst. Family Head Odolu Ijemu /Head of Usin Cult, Chief Babatunde Alabete (Obareghon of Oweland) Acting Head Odolu Irasi, Chief S.F. Bello Family Head Odolu Teko, and Chief Arokoyo Emmanuel (Obagunyi of Oweland) Family Head Kabba Olise Cult also signed the petition.
Members of the screening committee that signed the petition are Chief Matthew Tolorunleke, Chairman, Chief Aiyeditan Oluwole, Member, and Chief Babatunde Alabete Member
