From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Egume-Ome Descendants Union (EODU) has commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the appointment of HRH Chief Simon Ochimana as the new Onu Egume, describing the decision as timely, credible, and rooted in tradition.The commendation was given on Saturday by the Chairman of the EODU, Lokoja Branch, Comrade Joel Ijaja, during the union’s rescheduled end-of-year get-together and New Year stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of Dr. Y. Attah in Lokoja.Ijaja said the Onu Egume appointment by Governor Ododo was carried out with sincerity, fairness, and due regard for Egume’s traditional lineage.
According to him, the process has restored peace and stability to the community after years of contention over the stool. He noted that the large turnout of residents who welcomed the monarch back to Egume community after his coronation in December was a clear indication of popular acceptance and unity among the people.“The mammoth crowd that trooped out to receive the new Onu Egume shows that all disputes surrounding the throne have been laid to rest,” Ijaja said.
He urged Egume-Ome descendants at home and in the diaspora to rally round the new monarch, stressing that collective support would enable him to effectively discharge his duties as the custodian of the community’s culture and traditions.Ijaja also called on residents to pool resources together to foster development in Egume community, adding that a peaceful and supportive environment would help the traditional ruler succeed in delivering meaningful progress. Speaking at the event, the National President of EODU, Comrade Sunday Maji, appealed for community-wide support for the rebuilding of the Onu Egume Palace, noting that a befitting palace would enhance the cultural image of the community and attract visitors.
Maji disclosed that the architectural design for the palace renovation has already been completed, while a fundraising committee has been inaugurated to commence work immediately.“With the support of stakeholders and EODU branches nationwide, the union will continue to champion development initiatives and address insecurity challenges in the area,” he said.
He encouraged community members to actively participate in the fundraising drive to ensure the project is completed within the year. Also speaking, a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing Okura State Constituency, Hon. Hassan Ichado, pledged effective representation for his constituents. He said he would work with principal officers in the state assembly to attract more infrastructure projects to the constituency. Ichado applauded the unity and peaceful coexistence among members of the Egume-Ome Descendants Union, Lokoja Chapter, urging them to sustain the momentum for balanced development.
He further advised constituents to continue supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to attract more dividends of democracy to the area.The event ended with renewed calls for unity, development, and collective support for the new Onu Egume as the community looks ahead to a more stable and progressive future.
