The Ohinoyi of Ebira Land Ado Ibrahim has given his blessing to the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) Murtala Yakubu Ajaka on Friday after he paid him homage at his palace in Okene.
The royal father in his usual fearless disposition told the Ajaka, Igala Mela born politician to extinguish fear from his mind.
“You must have had this ambition not from today but from many years ago. The ambition you have nursed for years are you going to drop it because somebody is threatening you? fear not, for nobody is threatening you.
“Fear itself is afraid if you don’t fear. If you don’t fear, fear is afraid. So why do you fear? Only fear indolence, indolence kills, but hard work and courage make a man stronger.
“I am 95 now, I still go to the field, but I have little problem with my ankle otherwise I still read, I still write. Do what you think is right not what you have been pushed to go and do.
“You have people here, more outside, more at home and in the country. I have heard your name. I need more people like this.
“My palace is wide opened at any time. No one tells a father not to welcome his children.”
The visit, which was meant to be a courtesy call, turned into a carnival especially, during Juma’at prayer and at the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebira, which is reputed to be the most sophisticated on this side of the Sahara.
The SDP candidate also visited the graveside of the former strongman of Kogi politics and Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District (1999-2003), late Ahmed Tijani Ahmed (alias AT Ahmed) and a frontrunner of Islam in Ebira Land, Sheihk Ahmed Rufai.
As posted on his verified social media handle ‘X’, Alhaji Ajaka said: “Earlier today, I observed my jummat prayer at Okene Central Mosque amongst other Muslim faithful. Afterwards, I proceeded to the graveside of late Prince AT Ahmed and Sheihk Ahmed Rufai where we offered prayers for their souls to continue to rest in peace.”