By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The newly appointed Onu-Egume and Okura District Head, His Royal Highness (HRH) Simon Ochimana, has expressed appreciation to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for approving his appointment, while calling on the people of Egume to embrace peace, unity, and development. Ochimana made the remarks over the weekend at his palace in Egume during a reception organised in his honour by the Egume Ome Descendants Union (EODU) and community stakeholders. The event followed his coronation at Idah by the Ata Igala and Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Matthew Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the royal father thanked Governor Ododo for what he described as due diligence and respect for tradition in the process that led to his emergence as the Onu-Egume. He noted that the appointment came after a prolonged delay occasioned by the demise of the former Onu-Egume.
On behalf of the Egume community, Ochimana commended the state government for upholding traditional institutions and ensuring continuity in leadership. He urged his subjects to maintain peace and unity, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony.“ No community can develop in the presence of crisis,” the monarch said. “It is only through unity and peaceful coexistence that Egume can achieve sustainable growth and progress.”
The Onu-Egume pledged to work towards uniting all sons and daughters of Egume, with a focus on harnessing human and material resources for the development of the community and the improvement of living standards during his reign.He also pledged loyalty and support to the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, assuring that the traditional institution under his leadership would collaborate with government initiatives aimed at grassroots development.In his address, the President of the Egume Ome Descendants Union, Comrade Sunday Maji, also commended Governor Ododo for approving the appointment, describing it as a demonstration of goodwill and respect for the people of Egume and Okura District.“
On behalf of the Egume Ome Descendants Union, the community, and the entire people of Okura District, we express our deepest gratitude for the honour bestowed on us through the appointment of HRH Simon Ochimana as Onu-Egume and Okura District Head,” Maji said. He also praised the Ata Igala for personally presiding over the coronation, noting that his presence reaffirmed the historic bond between the Egume traditional stool and the Ata Igala ruling dynasty.
According to him, the Ata Igala’s participation added prestige to the ceremony and provided spiritual and cultural guidance that would inspire future generations. Maji advised individuals he described as sycophants to keep their distance from the new Onu-Egume, urging them to allow the monarch focus on leadership responsibilities, community cleansing, and development initiatives. He assured the royal father of the full support of the Egume Ome Descendants Union, pledging cooperation toward economic growth and social progress in the community.
The ceremony witnessed a colourful and symbolic entry of HRH Simon Ochimana into Egume on horseback, drawing a large crowd. Residents turned out in their numbers to welcome the monarch, with the atmosphere likened to that of a traditional Egbe festival. Observers said the massive turnout reflected the community’s enthusiasm and renewed hope following the installation of a new traditional ruler.
