Obaro of Kabba Discusses Kabba’s Heritage and Future Prospects
The Obaro of Kabba in Kogi State, Obaro Otitoleke Oweyomade I, Oba Dele Awoniyi, recently shared insights with GBENGA ODOGUN about Kabba’s historical ties to Ile-Ife, its cultural heritage, and future aspirations.
On Succession to the Throne:
Oba Dele Awoniyi succeeded Oba Michael Olobayo, who passed away in 2016. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I was born in Ile-Ife in 1957 and moved to Kabba in 1966. After completing my education, I worked with the Nigerian Television Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service before retiring as a Deputy Comptroller in 2015. When it was my clan’s turn to produce the next Obaro, the responsibility fell on me.”
Historical Background:
Kabba’s origins, as recounted by the Obaro, trace back to two hunters from Ile-Ife who settled in the area around 2,000 years ago. These hunters had thirteen children who formed the thirteen clans of Kabba. “We have a deep-rooted connection to Ile-Ife, as affirmed by the current Ooni of Ife, who showed our people the exact place in his palace where our ancestors originated,” the Obaro explained.
Cultural and Religious Harmony:
Discussing the cultural landscape, the Obaro noted, “In Kabba, we respect all forms of worship. While traditional practices like Egungun and Ebora exist, we primarily worship the Almighty God. Christianity, Islam, and other religions coexist peacefully.”
Relations with Neighboring Communities:
Kabba has historically maintained cordial relations with neighboring communities, including the Ebira people. “The Ebira settled here from the far North, and we have always lived peacefully together. Many Ebira even speak our dialect fluently,” the Obaro remarked.
Festivals and Unity:
While each community within Kabba has its unique festivals, the unity among clans remains strong. “There is no single festival that encompasses all communities, but we all worship the same God in different ways,” he said.
Governance and Succession:
Kabba’s governance is structured into three ruling houses—Odolu, Okaba, and Katu—each comprising various clans. Succession to the Obaro throne rotates among these houses to ensure fair representation. “When the Obaro from one house passes away, the next ruling house in line provides the successor,” the Obaro explained.
Community Acceptance and Development Goals:
Oba Dele Awoniyi emphasized his deep connection and contributions to the community, which garnered him widespread acceptance. “I have always been involved in Kabba’s development, which is why my people supported me for the throne,” he noted. Looking ahead, the Obaro envisions a Kabba open to industrial and educational advancements, particularly in science and technology.
Traditions and Modernity:
Addressing a common cultural question, the Obaro clarified that inheriting the late king’s wives is not part of Kabba’s tradition. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to build a central palace, a project that signifies both respect for tradition and a step towards modernity.
Personal Connection to Kabba:
Before ascending the throne, Oba Dele Awoniyi was actively involved in community development. “I served as the president of the Kabba Students’ Union in 1978 and have been a member of the Kabba Development Union, contributing significantly to our community’s progress,” he shared.
Kabba’s Rich Heritage:
Kabba, known as Oweland, is a prominent ancient town in Kogi State. The people of Kabba, referred to as the Owe people, speak a Yoruba dialect called Owe. Historically, the town was founded by three brothers—Aro, Reka, and Balaja—who migrated from Ile-Ife and established the settlements of Katu, Kabba, and Odolu. These settlements eventually merged into one unit, collectively known as Oweland.
The Future of Kabba
Oba Dele Awoniyi aims to see Kabba flourish with industrial development and educational advancements. “We want our schools to return to their former glory with a strong emphasis on science and technology,” he expressed.
Kabba, the headquarters of the Okun-speaking people and the Yorubas in Kogi State, continues to honor its rich cultural heritage while striving towards a brighter, more developed future.
