Kogi Unity Accord Takes Power Rotation Campaign to Ibaji »

The Kogi Unity Accord has taken its advocacy for political power rotation and equitable resource allocation to Ibaji Local Government Area, with the Ejeh of Ibaji, HRH Ajofe Egwemi, JP, backing the group’s proposed stakeholders’ summit.

The group’s delegation, led by its Convener, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi, made the move during a sensitisation visit to the palace of the Ibaji Local Government Traditional Council.

The engagement formed part of the Accord’s ongoing consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, socio-cultural organisations and other stakeholders ahead of its proposed Kogi Traditional/Religious Leaders and Socio-Cultural Organisations Summit on Power Rotation and Resource Allocation.

Adeyemi said the consultations were aimed at creating broad consensus on the political future of the state through dialogue rather than confrontation or exclusion.

He said the proposed summit would provide an inclusive platform for traditional institutions, religious leaders, socio-cultural organisations and other stakeholders to discuss power rotation and resource allocation in Kogi State.

According to him, the initiative is not directed against any individual, ethnic group, senatorial district or political interest, but is intended to promote a more equitable political arrangement and strengthen unity across the state.

Adeyemi also argued that Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo’s second-term ambition provides a foundation for discussions around continuity in governance and a future rotational succession arrangement.

He said continuity would enable the consolidation of ongoing policies, projects and institutional reforms while providing a stable environment for stakeholders to deepen discussions on an equitable succession framework.

The Convener urged stakeholders to look beyond immediate political interests and consider the long-term implications of political decisions on the unity, stability and development of Kogi State.

Responding, the Ejeh of Ibaji and Chairman of the Ibaji Local Government Traditional Council, HRH Ajofe Egwemi, JP, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation to the delegation for bringing the conversation to the local government.

The traditional ruler pledged his support for the proposed summit and said he would personally lead the traditional institution and other relevant stakeholders from Ibaji to the gathering.

Egwemi stressed the importance of grassroots participation in political dialogue, noting that traditional rulers have a role to play in promoting peace, unity and understanding among communities.

He also commended the administration of Governor Ododo for what he described as an all-inclusive approach to governance, saying inclusiveness was important to ensuring that different communities and interests felt represented in government.

The Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area also expressed support for Governor Ododo and said the people of the local government remained behind the administration.

He expressed confidence that Ibaji would improve on its previous electoral performance in support of the governor and assured the delegation that the local government would mobilise its people and stakeholders for the proposed summit.

The chairman also said the people of Ibaji recognised the importance of continuity in government and expressed optimism that the administration would continue to address the needs and aspirations of communities across the state.

The Kogi Unity Accord said the Ibaji engagement represented another step in its statewide consultation process.

The group maintained that sustainable power rotation would require the participation and understanding of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and socio-cultural organisations across the state.

Adeyemi urged stakeholders to approach the proposed summit with an open mind and a commitment to developing a framework that promotes fairness, unity and peaceful political coexistence.

He said consultations would continue across the three senatorial districts, stressing that every community and interest group should have an opportunity to contribute to the discussion on the state’s political future.

The group said further engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders and socio-cultural organisations would continue ahead of the proposed summit.