From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
The paramount ruler of Mopa land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun has said his recent installation as the 4th Elulu of Mopa was a divine call to render selfless service to the people of his kingdom and to transform the area into an enviable height which will be a symbol of pride to Mopa indigenes both at home and diaspora.
The young and sophisticated monarch who is commonly referred to as a ‘Digital Monarch’ said he intends to achieve these feats through the fear of God, unfazed diligence and robust partnership with every clan and stakeholders in the community with a view to promoting peace,unity and love and treat everyone with fairness , equity and justice.
Oba Ibeun before ascending the throne of his forefathers in May, 2024 was the Owa of Mopa land and is a renown business mogul and the Chief Executive Officer of MUIB Oil & Gas, MUIB Properties, MUIB Transport and other construction companies.
The Paramount ruler of Mopaland and the chairman Mopamuro area traditional council made this known over the weekend during the courtesy visit by the Forum of Okun Media Professionals led by its Chairman, Chief Olugbemi Femi, to congratulate him on his ascension and emergence as the 4th Elulu of Mopa.
Ibeun who stated that it was not his wish to be the King of the community at this time, as he was looking elsewhere to serve at the national level, “But it is God that designed people’s life, and His will is different. I am now glad to find myself in the saddle of leadership responsibility of the community”.
He noted that it was a huge sacrifice considering what it takes to leave all he was doing as a business tycoon across the globe to be in Mopa as the Royal Father, but stressed that he has no regrets in accepting to serve his people whi h he dearly love
Ibeun said he was determined to serve his people diligently and will not allow anything to distract his attention, saying ” I will rather, focus on how to bring more development to the community and local government at large.”
He pointed out that he was not surprised at those who are indifferent to his emergence because they have not been to Mopa for a very long time, hence they are not aware of what the people truly need at this time.
He further noted that as the monarch of the community, he would not need to lobby or interfere in the affairs of the Mopa Welfare Society (MWS) nor the youths group because the entire system is running on the right path. He pointed out that those who claimed that he imposed the new leadership of MWS may not know that the community is moving in the direction the entire populace of Mopa desire, as he did not interfere in the leadership election.
Oba Ibeun said he emerged through due process that is credible both traditional, cultural and in line with the extant law of the 2006 Kogi State Chieftaincy law that is operational by the Kogi State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, reiterating that those referring to the court cases are not in touch with the reality.
He said the community is on the right path of development, and added that his visit to the Honorable Minister of Works recently in Abuja has paid off with the little work recently done on the Mopa section of Kabba – Egbe – Ilorin road. He assured the community that by early next year, he hoped the Mopa section of the road would have been taken care of.
“The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator Davie Umahi did promise me when I visited recently to complain to him about the state of the road, as a strong supporter of President Bola Tinubu who even served before I was selected as the new king, in the Stakeholders committee and the kind of votes the people of the area gave to the president, the road should not be abandoned. The minister did promise and I believe him’ he said.
He also used the opportunity to commend Governor Usman Ododo for the relocation of the Kogi State College of Education, Technical to Mopa and also for his purposeful leadership that has changed the narrative in the state, urging him not to forget Mopamuro in the area of rural roads, health facilities etc.
Earlier, the Chairman of Forum of Okun Media Professionals, publisher of Democracy Newsline Newspaper, Chief Olugbemi Femi had informed the monarch the purpose of their visit was to congratulate him on his smooth emergence as the 4th Elulu of Mopa land and also acknowledged his developmental strides since he came on board.
He said Okun Media Professionals draw its membership from all Okun indigenes who are media professionals, practicing in Kogi state, comprising of radio, television, print media, new media, bloggers, public relations officers in the information sector; with the main objective of fostering unity and development within the 6 local government areas of Kogi West Senatorial district, which comprises Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, Mopamuro, Yagba East, Yagba West and Lokoja using their media
He said Okun Media Professionals will continue to work with all stakeholders in the zone to promote good governance and healthy rivalry among individuals and groups that will be geared toward massive development of the zone.
Members of the delegation include, Comrade Bolu Obahopo, (Vanguard) Secretary, Stephen Adeleye (NAN), Financial Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Adeyemi (Sun) Elder Advisory Committee, Richard Elesho (The News) and Comrade Rotimi Odofin (Cascades.)
