BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
History was made in Ondo Kingdom as two ancient thrones of Nigeria, the Idoma and Ondo monarchies, sealed a renewed royal partnership following a historic courtesy visit by His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON, the Ochidoma and Paramount Ruler of Idoma Kingdom, to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo III, CFR, the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom.
The royal engagement, which unfolded in an atmosphere of fraternity and mutual reverence, culminated in a significant pronouncement by the Osemawe appointing the Ochidoma as the Royal Father of the Day for the 2025 Ekimogun Festival, scheduled for December 27, describing the moment as “the beginning of great things to come between our kingdoms.”
Speaking before the Osemawe and his council of chiefs, the Ochidoma expressed profound gratitude for the honour and warm reception accorded him, describing the visit as a rare privilege and a testament to the enduring nobility of African traditional institutions.
He conveyed greetings from Idoma Kingdom, which he described as “the land of the great red earth, renowned for dignity, courage, hospitality, and deep reverence for cultural heritage,” while thanking the Ondo monarch for the hospitality extended during his stay, particularly at Wesley University where he was recently conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Theology.
Reflecting on his tour of the university, the Idoma monarch commended the institution’s progress, disciplined student body and strategic direction, noting with pride the leadership roles of two illustrious sons of Idoma land — Dr Pastor Paul Enenche as Chancellor and Professor Samuel Obeka Sunday as Vice Chancellor.
The Ochidoma also expressed appreciation for the chieftaincy honour being prepared for Prof. Obeka, stating that by honouring him, the Ondo Kingdom was honouring the entire Idoma nation. He used the occasion to caution that traditional titles must be treated as sacred trusts, stressing that holders must embody dignity, discipline, humility and exemplary conduct.
“A royal honour must never be brought into disrepute. Every title is not merely status but a call to exemplary conduct,” the revered monarch warned.
He further traced the historical ties between the Idoma and Yoruba peoples, recounting familial and commercial connections that spanned generations, describing them as evidence of a longstanding bond rooted in unity, mutual respect and shared cultural values.
According to him, the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment between the two kingdoms toward peace, cultural preservation, education, youth empowerment, traditional governance and national unity. He called for stronger collaboration in cultural diplomacy, educational exchange and socio-economic development, encouraging Idoma youths to seek opportunities at Wesley University.
In his response, the Osemawe described the visit as historic, assuring that the day would be permanently recorded in the annals of Ondo Kingdom.
“Today is a day that will go into the record as a good one, a very good one,” he declared, before formally inviting the Ochidoma to serve as Royal Father of the Day at the 2025 Ekimogun Festival.
The Ochidoma accepted the honour with gratitude, expressing eagerness to attend what he described as “a very fantastic celebration,” while extending a reciprocal invitation to the Osemawe to grace the forthcoming Idoma cultural festival.
Both monarchs agreed that the historic engagement marked the dawn of a deeper and enduring partnership aimed at strengthening inter-kingdom relations, promoting cultural unity and reinforcing the moral authority of traditional institutions across Nigeria.
The visit ended with mutual prayers for peace, prosperity and stability, as the two royal fathers reaffirmed their commitment to unity, heritage preservation and harmonious coexistence among their people.
