By Abdulmalik Suleiman
A new vista of opportunity for development is opening up in Kupaland, as the new paramount ruler of the Kingdom, HRH Alhaji Dauda Kabir Isa has been rallying the people for the development and progress of Kupa, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His Royal Highness Alh Dauda Kabir Isa, a Pharmacist by profession, was appointed as the seventh (7) Etsu Kupa from the Gbamace Ruling family, he ascended the throne after the demised of his father, Alh. Muhammadu Kabir Isa!! about two years ago.
A suave, humane, humble and God fearing personality, one of his greatest attributes is justice and equity, he operate an open door policy with a listening ear.
The emergence of His Highness wasn’t a smooth sail as he battled so many other contenders for the stool.
Maiyaki, which mean Warrior differ from the nomenclature of ETSU of the ethnic stock of Nupes. The name Maiyaki (Warrior) historically was bestowed on one of the then Etsu Kupa, (readers can find out of which of the ruling house was the then ETSU from).
The then ruler, was instrumental in helping the Etsu Nupe to defeat the invading British forces aiming to capture Bida, the traditional headquarters of Nupe land and the entire Nupe chiefdom.
And in appreciation, the paramount ruler tittle of Etsu was changed to Maiyaki the Warrior and in addition to a gift of seven (7) Brass Swords as a symbol of the new title of warrior.
Since assumption of office about 4 months ago, there is no dereliction of responsibility on his side and hardly travel out of his domain, he has been working hard to bring both his supporters and foes together, the monarch who abhor classists but unity for the common good of the land. In fact, many were surprised by the way he immediately adjusted himself and quickly set up his operational structure in the land.
He adopted inclusiveness in all his activities, especially replacing all the vacant stools of the district heads without rancour or acrimony among the people.
The recent Sallah celebrations provided a veritable platform for HIs Highness to further his goal of developing his domain when for the first time in the history of the community, sons and daughters came home to celebrate the Eid Fitr Sallah with him in an unprecedented manner, the Eid ground was filled up and stretched some meters away from the praying ground.
According to some senior citizens of the Kingdom, the event was the first of its kind, at least in recent time as the town played host to an unprecedented crowd who came and joined the people at home to celebrate the event with the monarch.
One of the climax of the event, was Nko (Hawan Sallah) where all the Monarch subjects and district heads come to pay Sallah homage and to also displayed their age long cultural dance to the Royal King, it was aesthetically, glamorous and historical.
The Monarch who was decked in a beautiful Royal Robe was evidently overjoyed with the displayed of the rich culture and the love shown on him by his people.
Also, at the ceremony, he conferred chieftaincy appointments on deserving sons and daughters of the Kingdom as new title holders with a view to tapping into their connections and skills for the goal of developing the land.
Some very important tittles with a strong root in Nupe Kingdom were introduced and given to some selected special individuals who have all excels in their different fields.
It must be stated that those who were so honoured were indiscriminately appointed across the entire land for the overall progress of the land.
The leadership style of HRH has open a new opportunities for our people to exploit and develop our land, it’s indeed a new dawn in Kupa land and what is required of all is to join hands with him to move Kupa land forward.
