News
Obaro of Kabba wants rotation of Council of traditional rulers’ Chairmanship, says ‘Attah Igala’ under Okun
The Obaro of Kabba in Kogi West Senatorial district, Oba Dele Awoniyi gave a historical perspective of the ancient past saying, Igala people with the Attah traditional stool has been under Kabba people.
In an interview with a local medium, the Obaro wants governor Yahaya Bello to step into the matter, saying his seat, ‘Obaro of Kabba’ was reduced as a result of political mischief.
CAPITAL POST recalls that the demise of Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni II late August, 2020, has thrown fresh challenges leading to the epic battle for Kogi State traditional rulers Chairmanship rotation by traditional rulers from the Central and Western districts of the State.
Governor Bello has been under intense pressure to send a bill to Kogi State House of Assembly to effect a change before the next appointment of the Attah Igala now in the works.
The Obaro of Kabba said:
“Long before now, has never the throne of the Attah of Igala (a first class stool) superior to that of the Obaro of Kabba (also a first class stool).
“Ever since the Northern Protectorate was created in 1900 when the British took over the ruling of the area from the then Royal Niger Company, Igala people has always been under the ruling of the Kabba people (politically).
“The Igala kingdom was founded by Abutu- Eje in the 16th century. The kingdom was ruled by nine high officials called the Igala Mela who are custodians of the sacred Earth shrine and other entities.
“The Igala people, according to history, are known to be migrators; moving from Egypt, across the deserts and finally settled at now Borno, and they were Aborigines in the land.
“Not until they arrived at their current settlement, with their ancestral home in Idah; where they also have the stool of the Attah of Igala.
“The Igala Kingdom is influenced by Jukun people, Yoruba people, Igbo people, and Bini People. Counting from Abutu Eje (first Attah Igala), we have the Independence era Attah, British occupation era Attah, and the independent Nigeria Attah.
“Altogether, we’ve had 28 Attah Igala who have occupied the ancestral stool of Abutu Eje. Considering Kabba on the other hand, a town that has long been a victim of bad politics and has been deprived of so many opportunities for growth.
“Kabba has been a prominent town ever since the inception of Nigeria as a country. Due to her strategic geographical location, the town enjoyed robust attention during the colonial and post colonial era.
“Kabba was a province in old Northern Nigeria after Britain took over administration of the area from the Royal Niger Company in 1900, as earlier mentioned.
“The British originally divided the area into eleven provinces which were: Bauchi, Bida, Bornu, Kabba, Kontagora, Lower Benue or Nassarawa, Ilorin, Muri, Sokoto, Upper Bema, and Zaria. Judging from the listed ancient cities and towns above, one could clearly deduce that Kabba has been grossly marginalized over decades.
“Most of these provinces has either been upgraded to a State, or given tremendous opportunities for growth and modern transformation. If things were to be as destined, Obaro of Kabba should be as prominent as Emir of Zauzau in Zaria.
“In 1903 six more provinces were added; five following the Sokoto-Kano campaign, and also Gwandu province, making a total of 17. The number of provinces was reduced to 13 in 1911, and 12 after World War I.
“In 1926 Adamawa and Plateau became new provinces. During this period, the Igala people reports every of their dealings to Kabba province. The stool of the Obaro of Kabba has long been established even before the town became a province (one the factors considered). The current Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Awoniyi, is the 44th crowned Obaro of Kabba. How then can you compare 44 to 29?
“The issue of rotating the Chairmanship of the State Council of Kings is probably arising for the first time, because Governor Yahaya Bello is a leader known to always do the right thing. The people clamoring for rotation knows that GYB is their best shot to see to the actualization of their agenda.
“Kabba lost her political relevance because the region has been marginalized at the state level for over 20 years of governance. If an Okun man was to be the first elected democratic Governor of the State, then we would not be debating this at all.
“Kabba should for once be given her well deserved attention. The town deserves to take her rightful place as history has it. I have more to say, and omitting the stool of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land was intentional (a discuss for another day).”
Credit: Igala National prayer conference edited)
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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