Offers contending houses olive branch
By Mumini AbdulKareem
The newly appointed Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II has extended the olive branch to contending houses in the community even as he unveiled his development plans for his people.
Bologi who spoke exclusively to this reporter in his first ever interview following his appointment said he would prioritise social development of his people.
Until his appointment last week by the Kwara State Government, the 38-year-old was a Customs officer.
Bologi, is the first son of the late Etsu, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta of Baba Bologi ruling house.
The government via a letter sited by this reporter dated April 18, 2019 with the number MLGCA/CHA/51/S.1/Vol TI/26 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Alhaji Saidu Habeeb said his appointment was premised upon section S3 and 5 of Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law Cap C9 laws of Kwara State 2016 and took effect from April 16, 2018.
Following the development, the two other ruling houses, Etsu Muazu Yissa and Etsu Usman Kpatako reportedly rejected his appointment and hinted on a legal action over the issue.
But according to Bologi, who said his choice was destined by Almighty Allah (SWT), it is the birth right of all contestants to vie for the stool adding that he is going to carry everybody along to develop the community.
He said “What is happening to me now is the legacies of our parents and the fight is purely Allah’s fight, He took the battle onto His hands, i didn’t fight it, Allah did”.
“Any leader expecting one hundred percent loyalty (from people) is getting it wrong.
“Those people who were against you when you were hoping to get it, they have so many things to contribute and you can tap into their knowledge and harmonise everything. Nobody is perfect or has total knowledge. I intend to bring everybody on same page because the bottom line is the development of Patigi. It has nothing to do with individual or personal interest.
As a youth, the new monarch said the community need to move with the global trend in line with the present agitation globally for youth revolution in leadership.
“Our parents have tried their best but our generation needs to do a lot by bringing development to Patigi. We are in technology era and a lot of things have to be done”, he added.
Speaking further on his plans, the Etsu who said he has vision and passion for Patigi said he hope to have a successful tenure for the coming generation to tap from the legacies we will leave behind.
“As the current administration is battling with agriculture, we have so many lands in Patigi that can be used … and by the grace of God, I am going to take agriculture as a full-time job because there in lies wealth and food security.
“The Patigi Regata it is an historical event and supposed to be a tourist attraction, we will collaborate with necessary government agencies to see how we can improve on it”, he submitted.
