Vendor becomes king in Kogi State

HE is a man of destiny. The road for him to the top was laced with thorns, disappointments, fear of unknown, and road blocks. But with determination, mother luck, and the instinct to survive he surmounted all these obstacles.
For Oba Ayodele Irukera Ajaamoto II, the Elegbe of Egbe Land and chairman, Yagba West Local Government Traditional Council of Kogi State, though a prince, becoming an oba was never in his agenda as he just wanted to survive.
He was a newspaper vendor selling newspapers by the roadside, a building site labourer, a typist among others. These were just steps to climb to the top as he never allowed these to deter him.
However, he studied privately for both General Certificate of Education (O level) and later A level. He passed both in flying colours and it qualified him for admission to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. After the completion of his astudies, he worked in several places including University of Ilorin Kwara State where he rose to the position of deputy registrar until his voluntary retirement. However, his road to the throne started with his appointment as the Baale of Egbe on September 2012 until his final selection as Elegbe of Egbeland in July 28, 2014.
At his installation and presentation of staff of office recently by the governor, Captain Idris Wada, dignitaries from all walks of life were present to give him their support. Traditional rulers both within and outside the state were equally there to added colour to the event. Oba Ayodele Irukera, at the occasion, promised to pursue the issues of peace and unity as well as promoting peaceful co-existence of communities within his domain.
The monarch assured the Kogi state government and people of the area of his unflinching commitment to contribute is quota to the growth and development of the people
The State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, at the occasion emphasized the need for robust collaborative efforts between the traditional rulers and the government in the maintenance of peace and security.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said the need for collaboration had become pertinent in view of the present security challenges in the country.
He urged royal fathers to step up their efforts in assisting to make Kogi State inhabitable for men of the underworld, describing traditional rulers as symbols of collective pride, culture and history of the people.
The governor explained that in recognition of the importance his administration attached to the traditional institutions, it had ensured that vacant chieftaincy stools were filled without delay.
The governor pointed out that without peace, development will be retarded, noted with satisfaction the prevailing peace and tranquillity in the state commended royal fathers for providing the necessary leadership for peace.
He therefore urged all well meaning citizens in the state to complement the efforts of traditional rulers in ensuring peace, congratulated the Elegbe of Egbe for the successful ascension to the throne of his forefathers, urging him to faithfully discharge his lawful duties as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the people.
Capt Wada urged the monarch to rededicate himself to the challenges of his new office by providing the much needed rallying point for the unity, peace and progress of his domain, asking him to serve as a. bridge between the people and government’s at all levels.
The Governor congratulated the king makers and family members of the ruling house whose turn it was to present the current Elegbe for their quick response to the call for the appointment, commended them for not allowing the ugly trend of rancour and acrimony that usually accompany the choice of royal fathers to bedevil their community.
He appealed to other communities in the state yet to fill vacant chieftaincy positions to copy the people of Egbe by ensuring that such appointments are peacefully and smoothly processed for the approval of the state government.
The Chairman Planning Committee Ambassador Rotimi Akanson, ,said the people of Egbe would cherish with deep sense of commitment the support to the improvement of infrastructure to Egbe land by the present administration in the state.
He called for support from government to enable the community build a befitting palace for Elegbe of Egbe.