By Sarah NEGEDU
The Ohi of Okene, His Royal Highness Dr Isah Okatahi, has dismissed suggestions that the recent visit of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to his palace carried any political undertone.
The traditional ruler clarified that the visit was in line with long-standing cultural protocols and had no bearing on partisan interests.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ohi of Okene maintained that his remarks during the senator’s visit were rooted in royal obligation in the collective progress of the people and not politics.
He emphasized that the palace remains a symbol of cultural unity, moral guidance, and protection of the people’s common good.
“It has come to public attention that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, recently paid a courtesy visit to my royal palace as the Ohi of Okene Metropolis and Grand Patron of Abdul Aziz Memorial College Okene, AAMCO.
“The college is a premier secondary school in the old Kabba Province, covering parts of present-day Kogi, Edo, and Kwara States.”
According to him, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was on her way to a function at the school and stopped by as a mark of respect for the traditional institution, in keeping with cultural norms.
“Her visit, which took place while en route to a function at the historic school, which I am the grand patron of and was invited by the management of the school as a custom, was a culturally respectful gesture to the traditional authority and nothing more,” he stated.
He said he received the senator warmly, acknowledged her ongoing support to the students of the school, and used the opportunity to address those present on the importance of unity, respect for constituted authority, and prioritizing the development of the people over political rivalry.
“I emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and urged that public office holders act with dignity and responsibility as part of the steps toward restoring harmony and upholding the rule of law. This advice was not political, but a royal guidance rooted in justice, peace, and the collective progress of our people. I feel compelled to clarify any public misinterpretation of this visit, he added.
Okatahi stressed that any attempt to politicise the visit was both wrong and regrettable.
“Any insinuation that the senator’s visit to my palace reflects shared political loyalty on my part is incorrect and unfortunate,” he said.
“It is important to reiterate that traditional rulers, especially one as revered as the Ohi of Okene, transcend partisan politics. The palace remains a symbol of cultural unity, moral guidance, and protection of the people’s common good.
“So I spoke not as a politician but as a custodian of values and traditions, calling for peace, respect for the judiciary, and adherence to law and order.”
