Peace returns to Edege kingdom after prolonged kingship tussle

FRANCIS NANSAK, Lafia

Sustainable peace which is a panacea for national development and the advancement of any society was in reverse in Edege chiefdom of Udege Mbeki of Nasarawa State. For about three years since Alhaji Halilu Bala Usman, who succeeded the late Osu Ajiri II, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Otto of blessed memory, the Afo people were thrown into crisis following the election which favoured the present Osu Ajiri to become the third first class Emir of Edege.

Dr Usman, a one-time deputy governor of the then old Plateau State and a front line politician, at a time agreed to work in the cabinet of the first executive governor of the newly created Nasarawa State, in an act of service to his mother land as commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs.

Before his elevation as the Osu Ajiri III, Alhaji Usman was a traditional title holder in Nasarawa emirate council and as the Magajin Gari from where today he occupies the stool as the third Emir of the Afo nation.

At the time of the nomination, which went through an electoral exercise, he topped the rank of the contestants to fill in the vacant stool as a result of the demise of the Osu Ajiri II. There were several others who had vested interest in the number one position of the Edege kingdom, who wanted the stool during the selection process.

However, his emergence was without challenges, owing to what other contestants term as unfair, the process which led to his election. With this development, petitions were made and court cases filed in the court of law against the election. And while this case lasted in the court, the unity of the people was also threatened. But on the part of the Nasarawa State government and considering the best interest of the kingdom of the Afo people, recognized Alhaji Usman following the election that was conducted for the position of the Osu Ajiri III.

Upon his recognition and appointment some of the aggrieved people of Afo withdrew their loyalty to the palace of the Osu Ajiri, their traditional ruling house. There was disunity and this affected the development of the area.

Howbeit, respite might have come their way with the intervention of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District at the senate.

He led a reconciliation meeting which has enabled those that contended the election of Osu Ajiri to sheath their sword during the third year anniversary of Alhaji Usman.

Senator  Adamu in his remarks on the third year anniversary of the Afo traditional ruler, called on the warring factions and those who were pained by the choice of the present monarch  to sheath their sword and embrace one another, that it is better to forgive and forget than nursing a malicious thought against God’s elect. He enjoined the Osu Ajiri to work with the people and play a fatherly role.

In an interview with some of the illustrious sons and daughters of Afo, Alhaji Salisu Halidu extolled the virtues in Senator Adamu and the Osu Ajiri, as noble men. He said they possess good qualities worthy of emulation.

‘’Under his three years of reign, Udege has witnessed tremendous changes educational, politically and developmentally within and outside the country,’’ he said.

He added that although he was at war with his political opponent, the third anniversary of the traditional ruler of Afo nation is symbolic; therefore he and his partner have reconciled to work for development of the community.

The Osu Ajiri III, Alhaji Usman who was overwhelmed and grateful to the gathering of all sons and daughters of Afo, who were once scattered due to lack of understanding arising from his emergence as the traditional ruler, said the gathering has marked the end of three years litigation, disobedience, disloyalty, acrimony and lack of cooperation in Afo nation.

According to him ‘’we would continue to look forward for a better struggle for peace and the development in our land, as we shall continue to speaks with one voice as blood brothers,’’ he stated.

Our Correspondent observed that aggrieved politicians who were never in talking terms became friends and seen exchanging pleasantries as they rally round Adamu and the Osu Ajiri. Also Baba Ibaku, Hon Samuel Egya and Dr. Joseph Obere renewed their relationships.