Emir of Lafia pays Acting Och’idoma condolence visit, extols Obekpa’s virtues

The Emir of Lafia Emirate, Sidi Bage Muhammad I, has paid a condolence visit to the Acting Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Chief (Engr.) George Edeh, following the expedition trip embarked upon by His Royal Majesty, Chief. Dr. Elias Ikoyi Obekpa.

The Emir of Lafia who is the Chairman of Nasarawa State Emirate Council, was represented by the Emir of Keffi and Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Chindo Yamusa III. The Emir, along With his high power delegation arrived Otukpo about 2:45pm and were were warmly received by the Acting Och’Idoma and the Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Rt. Hon. George Alli.

Sidi Bage Muhammad I, said “We have come to Otukpo to inquire about our brother, HRM, Chief (Dr.) Elias Ikoyi Obekpa who have gone on a hunting expedition. The Idomas and Nasarawa people are one people who have lived together since the days of Benue Plateau. we would like to see our brother whenever he returns from his hunting”, He said.

The Emir who extolled the virtues of HRM, Ikoyi Obekpa said Nigeria needs the wealth of experience and advises of men of great wisdom and ideas like the paramount ruler now; especially with the many challenges the country is faced with. He prayed God to have mercy on him wherever he is.

the Acting Och’Idoma who spoke on behalf of the Idoma traditional Council and the Idoma people said he is delighted by the visit of the Emir and his entourage. He said the visit is a clear demonstration of genuine concern and brotherly love. “We have been together right from Kwararafa Kingdom, long before Benue/Plateau came to be. You have proven beyond doubts that indeed we are one. We shall not hesitate to inform you whenever our brother returns”. They offered prayers for the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

The delegation, before coming to Otukpo, paid a visit to Governor Samuel Ortom at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi. Governor Ortom welcomed them to Benue state and promised to inform them whenever their brother returns from his hunting expedition.

Rt.Hon. George Alli was privileged to play host to the Acting Och’Idoma, HRM, Chief (Engr.) George Edeh and the First Class Chief of Otukpo/Ohimini; the First Class Chief of Apa/Agatu; Ad’Otukpo; third Class Chief of Adoko/Ugboju as well as the Emir of Lafia, represented by Emir of Keffi, the traditional ruler of Doma and other members of Nasarawa state Emirate council present during the visit.

Hon. Alli said the visit is heartwarming and encouraging. He equally prayed God to grant the entire delegation a safe journey back to their destination.

Traditional rulers who were present during the visit include: 1st Class Chiefs; HRH Agangwu Baba Odangla (Och’APA/Agatu); HRH Emmanuel Oche Okochi, (Otukpo/Ohimini); 2nd Class Chiefs: HRH Chief. Dr. Samuel Onuh, Ad’Otukpo) HRH Emmanuel Ode (Ad’Ogbadibo); HRH James Okefe(Ad’Okpokwu); HRH Ekele Oche Sunday (Oléwa K’Otukpa).