By DADA AYOKHAI
Alhaji Inusa Umoru has been officially installed as the new Aidonogie II of the South Ibie Kingdom, despite the opposition surrounding his selection.
The formal installation ceremony took place at the Aidonogie Palace in South Ibie and was attended by a large crowd of well-wishers and guests, including the council chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Hon. Marvellous Muhizu Zibiri.
Supporters of the dethroned Oba Kelvin Danesi have expressed their rejection of the new Aidonogie’s selection on the ground that there is subsisting Court order restraining the state government from carrying out any action on the Aidonogie stool.
The action of the state government they said was politically motivated.
The dispute between the supporters of the new Aidonogie and those of the dethroned Oba Danesi forced the state police command to intervene by facilitating a peace parley.
During the ceremony, Hon. Zibiri presented the staff of the office to the new Aidonogie and also expressed his satisfaction with the resolution of the long-standing dispute over the traditional throne of the South Ibie clan.
He also emphasized his hope that the new Aidonogie would adequately represent his clan in the Etsako West Traditional Council.
Hon. Zibiri expressed concern over the decrease in council membership since taking office in September of last year, stating that he was alarmed to find only two members instead of the six mandated by relevant statutory provisions and blamed the endless litigation over kingship tussle for the situation, insisting it represents an ugly situation in which the effectiveness of the Etsako West Traditional Council is significantly affected
He also welcomed the state government’s approval of Alhaji Inusa Umoru’s appointment as the new Aidonogie.
With this installation, the Etsako West Traditional Council’s membership has increased to five.
The Ayuele clan remains an exception, as it continues to be entangled in litigation.
Hon. Zibiri congratulated the new Aidonogie and reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the community.
He also requested the cooperation and understanding of the residents in tackling the many issues facing the council, expressing hope that the focus on human capacity development and infrastructure would soon lead to positive results.
The installation ceremony was graced by prominent politicians and other dignitaries.
