Leke Abejide is the Asiwaju of Yagbaland: Traditional Rulers affirm

Traditional rulers across Yagba land have formally reaffirmed Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide as the Asiwaju of Yagba Land, bringing full recognition to an honorary title jointly conferred by the chairmen of the traditional councils of Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Local Government Areas.

The affirmation recognizes Hon. Abejide’s sustained contributions to community development, cultural promotion, visionary leadership, and his consistent efforts to improve the living standards of communities across Yagba land. The title also acknowledges his attention to the needs and welfare of indigenes within the three local governments that make up Yagba land.

Hon. Abejide was first pronounced Asiwaju of Yagba in 2022, but the conferment was delayed due to political factors. The traditional councils have now jointly completed the process, officially bestowing the revered chieftaincy title on him.

The Asiwaju of Yagba title is regarded as one of the most prestigious chieftaincy honours in Yagba history. It is unanimously endorsed by the chairmen of the traditional councils of Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro, as well as traditional rulers across the entire Yagba land. The title symbolizes courage, resilience, diligence, diplomacy, effective representation, and commitment to projecting Yagba beyond Kogi State.

Hon. Abejide becomes the first individual to formally assume the title of Asiwaju of Yagba Land. Known for his people-oriented leadership style, he is also a holder of several chieftaincy titles and a recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his public service and philanthropic activities within Yagba land and Kogi State.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Yagba East Traditional Council, HRM Oba Moses Etombi, alongside other first-class monarchs and royal fathers, including HRM Oba Ayeni, HRM Oba Falope, and HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun. Also present were local government chairmen—Hon. Tosin Olokun (Yagba West), Hon. Dare Joshua (Yagba East), and Hon. Ademola Bello (Mopamuro)—as well as members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro and Hon. Olawumi Jacob.

HRM Oba Moses Etombi presented the Certificate of Chieftaincy to Hon. Abejide in the presence of the royal fathers and dignitaries.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Asiwaju Leke Abejide expressed gratitude to the chairmen of the traditional councils and other traditional rulers for reaffirming the honour first conferred on him in 2022. He reiterated his respect for traditional institutions and their role in community development.

He also announced plans to disburse ₦10 million to each of the 71 autonomous communities in Yagba land as the first tranche of community development support, with a second tranche of ₦10 million to follow, bringing the total to ₦20 million per community for legacy projects.

Hon. Abejide further reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Yagba Federal Constituency, noting that the Kabba–Egbe road has been listed among priority projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The traditional rulers offered prayers for Hon. Abejide’s continued success and wisdom as he carries the responsibilities of the Asiwaju of Yagba Land.