Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have accepted invitations to serve as Chairman and Royal Father of the Day respectively for Benue State’s 50th anniversary celebration, the state government has announced.
In a statement on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Ior Ikyereve, said a delegation from Benue State Government, led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, visited the two elder statesmen on Monday and Tuesday to formally convey Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s invitation ahead of the week-long golden jubilee scheduled for June 22 to June 27, 2026
On Monday, the delegation visited the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, SNTRC, and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Deputy Governor Ode, who represented Governor Alia, explained that although Benue was created on February 3, 1976, activities marking the golden jubilee, initially slated for February this year, were postponed due to security challenges in the state.
According to him, Governor Alia holds the monarch in high esteem and regards him as one of Africa’s most influential traditional rulers. “The Governor specifically directed that this invitation be delivered personally because of the immense respect he has for His Imperial Majesty. We have continued to witness his impactful leadership, advocacy for peace and cultural renaissance across Nigeria and beyond,” Ode said.
Responding, the Ooni expressed gratitude to the governor and people of Benue, describing Alia as a remarkable leader whose transition from the clergy into politics has inspired many Nigerians. The monarch accepted the invitation and pledged full participation and support for the celebration.
The Ooni also recalled his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, experience in Benue, describing it as one of the most memorable periods of his youth. “Benue occupies a special place in my heart. During my NYSC days in the state, the people welcomed me with open arms and treated me as one of their own. Their hospitality, kindness and sense of community remain unforgettable to me till today,” he said.
The monarch, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, NCTRN, commended Benue’s contributions to national food security and described the state as a strategic pillar in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
In continuation of consultations on Tuesday, the Benue delegation met with General Yakubu Gowon in Abuja and formally extended the state government’s invitation for him to serve as Chairman of the Day.
Receiving the delegation, the elder statesman expressed appreciation to Governor Alia and the people of Benue and graciously accepted the invitation to participate in the historic event.
General Gowon commended the Alia administration’s commitment to good governance and expressed satisfaction with its handling of security challenges in the state. He also lauded the governor’s concern for the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, describing efforts toward relief and durable solutions for displaced communities as commendable.
The former Head of State further applauded ongoing infrastructural transformation across Benue, noting that the administration’s investments in critical infrastructure are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development.
Members of the delegation included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Musa Sulaiman Ujor, and Jimmy Terhemen Ajim, Director General, Plenipotentiary and Liaison Affairs, Abuja.
