THE DANGEROUS POLITICS OF TRADITIONAL TITLE IN KOGI: A CALL FOR WISDOM
Stanley Ajileye
The recent decision of the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to turban nine Fulani men as members of the Traditional Council of Kogi Central has raised deep concerns across the state. Even more disturbing is the appointment of a Sarki Fulani for every Local Government in Kogi Central, a move unprecedented in the political and cultural history of the state. But the greatest affront, and indeed the peak of the aberration, is the decision to confer the revered title of Obaro, the highest traditional stool in all of Okunland, on a Fulani man, under the strange designation of “Obaro Fulani of Kogi Central.” This singular move has left many asking, why, to what end?
Those who understand the political undercurrents know that this is nothing but a desperate, if not panicked, attempt to manipulate the electoral landscape in fear of the rising popularity and unstoppable political momentum of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.
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One would have thought that with the unfolding events in Yagba, where carelessness and misguided political calculations have emboldened violent elements, the government would have learned caution. But instead, it is empowering the very forces that threaten the peace and demographic balance of our homeland. These appointments are not harmless. They are strategic placements. They are long term political seeds. They are a deliberate investment into altering the future of Kogi Central. And the danger is real.
History is clear. What begins as a cultural token can easily grow into political dominance. With time, these titles will evolve, the Sarki becomes an Emir, the outposts become territories, the temporary settlements become permanent claims, the demographic patterns shift, and then comes agitation for a separate Local Government, backed by a growing population. We have seen this before. Ask the people of Atyap (Kataf) in Southern Kaduna what happened with the Zangon, Kataf Fulani. Today, they still battle the consequences of decisions made decades ago. Why should Kogi Central walk blindly into such a future?
It remains baffling that the government could not, even for appearances’ sake, offer the Fulani community the title of Ohinoyi, which at least aligns with the cultural structure of the Central region. Instead, they desecrated the prestigious institution of the Obaro, the supreme custodian of Okun tradition, the Chairman of the Okun Traditional Council, the symbol of our ancestral identity. And this was done while numerous legitimate sons of Okunland serve in this same government. What a ridicule. What a betrayal.
Kogi Central hosts more Igbo residents than Fulani. Where, then, are the Obis or Ogbuefis Ibos of Kogi Central appointed to the Traditional Council? Where is the recognition of their peaceful contribution to commerce and social stability? Or is the message that you must be violent and troublesome before the government acknowledges you? What a disturbing precedent.
If this experiment is a testing of waters, let Governor Ododo take note, do not attempt this in Kogi West. Kogi West may resist it Firmly, Legitimately, And decisively.
Okun people have endured enough, their fuse for tolerance have been shortened.
They may not tolerate an erosion of our institutions, our identity, or cultural authority.
This is no longer about politics. It is about preservation, of our land, our identity, our future. If the government continues to play reckless ethnic politics for electoral gains, then our people may rise in unity to safeguard what belongs to them. Kogi belongs to all of us, but no group must be allowed to dominate others through political manipulation. The Obaro’s throne is sacred. Okun tradition is sacred. Our future is sacred.
Our Excellency governor should therefore have a re-think on the implications of these unnecessary actions, on the future of our unborn children.
Stanley Ajileye, a clergy, is a media / Political Consultant based in Kogi State.
