Ogidi Day 2025: Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Honoured as Bashorun Akinjagunla
By Akin Fanodun – Kabba
The Ogidi community yesterday honoured a renowned philanthropist and politician, Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji, as the Bashorun Akinjagunla a Honourary Chieftaincy title of the community.
The ceremony, held during the 2025 Ogidi Day Celebration, was attended by prominent figures in the society, community members and traditional leaders.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Rabiu Sule, the Ologidi of Ogidi land, conferred the title upon Prince Olatunji in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community, Okunland, and humanity.
The monarch praised Prince Olatunji’s philanthropic efforts, particularly his support for vulnerable groups in society.
Meanwhile the 2025 edition has become a talking point of a vibrant celebration of the rich culture and unity of the Ogidi people in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, was marked by the inspiring presence and message of Prince Olatunji Olusoji, the Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom.
As a distinguished son of Ijumu land, Prince Olusoji has consistently demonstrated a pan-Okun and pan-Kogi vision through his extensive philanthropic works.
Prince Olusoji reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the progress of the Ogidi community, pledging continued support for local initiatives that promote: Educational scholarships for students from low-income families
– Infrastructure: Support for water and electricity projects
– Youth Empowerment: Skills acquisition programs and sponsorship of youth sports events
– Healthcare: Funding for rural health initiatives and community clinics
“I do not just want to be remembered for titles or speeches. I want to be remembered for building schools, empowering young people, and bringing water and light to our villages,” Prince Olusoji stated.
Accepting the honor, Prince Olatunji expressed gratitude to the Ogidi traditional council and promised to continue supporting the community.
He views the conferment as a call to service and is committed to playing an active role in the community’s development.
He praised former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for laying a strong developmental foundation and expressed full support for the current governor, His Excellency Usman Ododo, whom he believes has the vision and capacity to take Kogi to greater heights.
“We must recognize the legacy of Governor Bello and now join hands to support Governor Ododo in fulfilling the next phase of development. Leadership needs continuity, and progress must never stop,” Prince Olusoji emphasized.
Prince Olatunji further commended former Governor Yahaya Bello for establishing Kogi State University in Kabba, stressing that the initiative has transformed the narrative for the people of Okunland, providing them with access to higher education and changing the community’s trajectory.
Prince Olusoji called on all sons and daughters of Okunland to contribute their quota toward community development, stressing that unity, partnership, and proactive leadership at the local level are essential for attracting meaningful growth.
His message left a lasting impression on the community: that development is a shared responsibility, and with visionary leadership and cooperative spirit, every town, including Ogidi, can thrive.
Present at the occasion include, the immediate past Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole, Chief Ebami Bishop, Mr James Olorundare, senator Ohere, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), State Security Adviser, Kogi State, Hon. Idris Salman, chairman the occasion etc
