The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed grief over the death of the Ohindase of Okengwe, His Royal Highness, Pa Stephen Bamidele Bello, who died at the age of 92 in the early hours of Thursday.
In his condolence message to the people of Okengwe and the entire Ebira Area Traditional Council under the leadership of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr) Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the governor described the late Ohindase as a bastion of Ebira tradition who will be missed by all Ebira sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.
The governor recalled that the late Ohindase ascended the throne of his forefathers at an auspicious time in the history of Ebira land and brought stability, statesmanship and deep understanding of the tradition of the people to bear on the Ohindase stool.
In a statement, Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser (Media) to Governor Usman Ododo, quoted the governor as saying: “The late Ohindase of Okengwe was a statesman with deep understanding of the culture and tradition of Ebira people,” adding that his mastery of the ways of his forefathers brought about stability and conferred respect on the stool of Ohindase of Okengwe over the years.
“I condole with the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, His Royal Majesty. Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ebira Area Traditional Council, the entire Ebira people and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of His Royal Highness, Pa Stephen Bello, the late Ohindase of Okengwe.”
Born on the 8th of August, 1932, Pa Stephen Bamidele Bello reigned as the Ohindase of Okengwe for 47 years from January 12, 1977 to February 7, 2024.
