Yahaya Bello and the Rebirth of Ebiraland: From Clan Rivalries to a New Era of Unity

How I wish the peace, unity and renewed sense of togetherness we are witnessing in Ebiraland, my ancestral home, could endure beyond every political season. Our history reminds us that peace is not something to be taken for granted, but a collective achievement that must be protected by every generation.

Today, as we conducted the local government chairmanship elections in our communities, Ebiraland had another opportunity to demonstrate the importance of peaceful political participation and unity across clan lines. With the official results expected to be announced soon, our people await the outcome of the democratic process. Regardless of the results, the peace, dignity and brotherhood of Anebira must remain paramount.

With the 2027 elections approaching, it is encouraging to see signs of greater unity among our people, with fewer visible divisions along clan lines. This atmosphere offers renewed hope that political differences no longer have to determine the strength of our relationships as brothers and sisters. Above every political interest, we remain one people bound by a common heritage.

Ebiraland has experienced painful periods when political tensions and clan rivalries threatened the peace and security of our communities. The events associated with January 2007 and 2008, particularly tensions involving Ogu and Omoye, alongside divisions among Oziogu, Oziomoye, Ozi-Eyire, OziEhebe, Ozi-Ohungwa and Ozidu-Oha, remain part of a difficult history that deserves reflection.

During that ugly period, three brothers from the same father and mother lost their lives in Badoko, Orietesu Ward, Okene Local Government Area. Their tragic deaths remain a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of political tensions and insecurity. Such a loss is not merely a family tragedy; it is a wound that reminds an entire community of the preciousness of human life and the need to protect peace at all costs.

The period was also marked by the killing of traditional rulers, custodians of our heritage and religious leaders, leaving communities in grief and uncertainty. Among the tragic losses remembered in our history was the late Adayi Muhammed Jaguda Jugudo, the custodian of Arijenu Obanyi. His death represented not only the loss of a life but also the loss of a respected figure connected to our traditional heritage and cultural identity.

The names of Sheikh Abdulazeez Sadiq Enyinavi and Diyi Ozi Niger also form part of the painful memories associated with that turbulent period, as communities struggled with fear, insecurity and the consequences of violence. These experiences remind us of the heavy burden borne by families, traditional institutions and religious communities during those difficult years.

Before the emergence of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, Ebiraland had endured serious security challenges, including attacks that claimed the lives of community leaders and religious figures. The fear and uncertainty of that era left lasting impressions on the collective memory of our people. We must remember these events with respect for the victims and their families, not to reopen old wounds, but to understand why peace, security and unity must remain central to our future.

The emergence of Yahaya Bello marked an important chapter in the political history of Ebiraland and Kogi State. Many of his supporters acknowledge his efforts towards reconciliation, political inclusion and strengthening relationships across clan and political divides. His administration became part of the wider conversation about restoring confidence, promoting security and encouraging a renewed sense of belonging among our people.

While opinions about his administration may differ, those who appreciate his leadership regard the period as significant in Ebiraland's continuing journey towards peace and unity. No leader can command universal support, and no administration can resolve every challenge confronting society. Nevertheless, the efforts and contributions that people recognise in the pursuit of reconciliation deserve constructive reflection and an honest assessment of their lasting value.

For Ebiraland, the most important legacy to preserve is a society in which people can disagree politically without becoming enemies, and where every clan feels a genuine sense of belonging.

One of the most encouraging opportunities before us is the chance to strengthen our identity as Anebira beyond the boundaries of clan, political party and personal allegiance. Our clans remain an important part of our history and cultural heritage, but that heritage should unite us rather than become a source of division. We must never allow the differences that enrich our communities to become instruments of political hostility.

The conduct of today's local government chairmanship elections provides an important opportunity to reflect on the kind of political culture we want for Ebiraland. As we await the official results, we must continue to encourage patience, mutual respect and peaceful acceptance of the democratic process. Elections should be occasions for civic participation, not reasons for hostility among neighbours, friends and family members.

The vision of a New Ebiraland must be more than a political slogan. It must represent a genuine commitment to peaceful coexistence, responsible leadership, community cooperation and the protection of every citizen, regardless of clan or political affiliation.

The expression Eyaàve, meaning “They are coming,” carries a solemn reminder of the fear and uncertainty associated with periods of political violence in our communities. Memories of young people fleeing to the bush and seeking refuge among the rocks illustrate the suffering insecurity brought upon our people. No young person should have to abandon home out of fear because of political disagreements. No parent should live in constant anxiety over the safety of a child, and no family should endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence.

Our youths deserve an environment where political participation is safe, peaceful disagreement is respected, and opportunities for the future are not overshadowed by the mistakes of the past. We must ensure that the next generation inherits a stronger Ebiraland, where political competition inspires development rather than division, and leadership is judged by its contribution to the welfare and security of the people.

Peace cannot be sustained by political leaders alone. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, youths, community organisations and political stakeholders all have important roles to play in protecting the unity of Ebiraland. Our traditional institutions must continue to promote reconciliation, political leaders must exercise restraint, elders must guide younger generations, and our youths must resist becoming instruments of hostility and division.

We must also recognise that peace is not merely the absence of violence. It requires mutual respect, fairness, inclusion, justice and a shared determination to protect lives and property.

As we reflect on the journey towards peace, unity and progress in Ebiraland and Kogi State as a whole, we have to appreciate the efforts of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, towards the development of our people and the political evolution of our state. Appreciation should go beyond words; it should be reflected in our willingness to sustain peace, strengthen our relationships and participate responsibly in the democratic process.

As the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial election approaches, we who believe in Yahaya Bello's leadership and appreciate his contributions to Anebira and Kogi State must demonstrate our convictions through lawful democratic participation. We have to support his senatorial ambition, canvass for his candidacy and vote for him to represent Kogi Central Senatorial District. For his supporters, this is an opportunity to express their appreciation through the ballot while remaining respectful of the different political choices of fellow citizens.

Our support for any leader must never become a reason to undermine the rights, safety or dignity of others. The true appreciation of leadership should be reflected not only in political support but also in our commitment to peaceful coexistence, responsible engagement and the collective progress of our communities.

The rebirth of Ebiraland will not be complete until unity becomes a lasting culture rather than a temporary atmosphere during elections. We must build a society where clan identity remains a source of pride, political participation is peaceful, and every Anebira can live with dignity and security.

May we never return to the days when political differences turned brothers into enemies. May the painful memories of January 2007 and 2008 continue to remind us that no ambition, office or political victory is worth the life of an innocent person.

Ebiraland is our common home. Our clans may differ, our political choices may vary, and our preferred leaders may not always be the same. Yet, our brotherhood must remain unbroken.

The true rebirth of Ebiraland will be achieved when we learn to disagree without hatred, compete without violence, and stand together whenever the peace and dignity of our people are threatened.

May peace endure in Ebiraland, and may the unity of Anebira outlive every political season.

By Prince Muhammed Otaiki