In a significant move towards securing victory in the upcoming November gubernatorial election in Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), paid a visit to the Obaro’s palace in Kabba over the weekend. His primary objective was to seek the support and blessings of the esteemed Ilajo Royal family for the forthcoming election.
Arriving with a substantial entourage, Ododo stressed the vital importance of securing the family’s support as he continued his campaign efforts. He earnestly appealed to the family members to cast their votes in his favor, pledging to continue and build upon the commendable work initiated by Governor Yahaya Bello.
Ododo outlined his vision, promising to elevate the state to unprecedented heights by providing essential social amenities and creating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. He assured the gathered audience that the newly established state university in Kabba would soon commence academic activities. Funds have already been allocated by the current governor for a smooth start, and the first wave of recruited staff is set to commence work before the end of the year.
Additionally, Ododo urged the people to rally behind the APC, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s well-crafted national blueprint and urging continued support for the ruling party.
The Ilajo Royal family accorded Ododo a warm and colorful welcome, with elders, youth, and women dressed in vibrant attire celebrating his visit.
Prince Jacob Arokoyo, the Youth leader of the Ilajo Royal family, expressed gratitude for Ododo’s visit, highlighting the parallel between this visit and Governor Yahaya Bello’s visit seven years ago. During that visit, Bello sought royal blessings from the late Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olobayo, ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial election. Arokoyo emphasized the symbolic significance of Ododo sitting in the same spot and wearing similar attire to that of Alhaji Yahaya Bello during his visit seven years ago, where he received blessings for a resounding victory at the polls.
Mr. Banji Jimoh, an APC stalwart and former governorship aspirant in the state who endorsed Ododo, praised the Ilajo Royal family’s steadfast support in election matters, citing their unwavering commitment once they decide to back a candidate. He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his transformative initiatives in the state, particularly the establishment of a new state university in Kabba.
The visit culminated in prayers offered for Ododo by the family’s elders, led by High Chief Peter Oloba and High Chief Bebeyi, Chairman of the central working committee of the Royal Family. The occasion was attended by several dignitaries, including government officials and prominent members of the APC.
Among those present were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Deedat Ozigi; the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones; the State Security Adviser, Comdr. Jerry Omodara (Rtd); the Kabba-Bunu House of Assembly member, Hon. Seyi Bello; and APC chieftain and grand patron of Okun United for Ododo, Mr. Banji Jimoh, among others.
