Etsu Umar Bologi II: 4 years of peace, stability and prosperity
Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II was appointed as the 7th Etsu Patigi by the Kwara State Government on April 16, 2019. Four years into his reign, he has justified the confidence of the kingmakers who favoured the Umaru Bologi ruling house for continuation of peace, stability, and development in the emirate.
As a young prince, Baba Bologi had exhibited leadership trait even before he ascended the throne. Those that knew him before now attest to his character of sacrifice, humility and generosity. He is a man blessed with the ability to maintain calm amidst serious situations. He is also a good listener who never jumps to conclusions until he gets sufficient information about an issue; and he has brought these to bear within the past four years as he settles disputes among his subjects. Etsu Bologi II combines the personality trait of three of his predecessors: the generosity of Etsu Umaru Bologi I (his grandfather), the wisdom of Etsu Idrisu Gana (his uncle), and the foresight of Etsu Ibrahim Chata (his father), evolving a unique personality and an aura of intelligence to preside over the 700-year-old dynasty.
Having ascended the throne at the youthful age of 38, Etsu Bologi II sees himself as the king for the youths, and he demonstrated this by conferring traditional titles on some deserving youths in the emirate. This is without undermining older traditional title holders, whom he also upgraded to their next titles.
Etsu Bologi’s love for his subjects knows no bounds, as he has always come to their aid during tough times. For instance, during the recent naira redesign and cashless policy of the Federal Government he did everything within his powers to ameliorate its effect on his people.
He had said in his palace during a visit by his village heads, that any true descendant of the royal house will not indulge in or allow anything that will cause hardship on his people. “If anybody ascends this throne and the only thing he thinks of is to cause hardship on the people of this emirate, know that he is not of this dynasty,” he had said.
Etsu Bologi II is a man that always looks out for his friends and close associates, without neglecting his relations. In fact he cherishes family bond. Even though some members of his extended family decided to distance themselves from him after he ascended the throne, because their ambition for the throne was not realized, he nevertheless opened his heart and his doors to them, especially those willing to work with him to build the emirate. This is because he does not believe in a winner-takes-all mentality. Rather, he sees his victory as a favour from Allah because only Allah chooses rulers. Such disposition is an open invitation not only to his subjects but all members of the royal house to join hands with him to sustain the peace, stability, prosperity and development the emirate had enjoyed for centuries.
Etsu Bologi II ability as emir was tested two years into his reign when a clash erupted in Lata village between the Fulanis and their Nupe hosts. He settled the dispute with dexterity to the envy of detractors. Today, the people of Lata village are living peacefully with their Fulani neighbours.
The peace enjoyed in Patigi Emirate during the recent general elections was due to the leadership efforts of Etsu Bologi II. As a lover of peace, he had enjoined his district, village and ward heads to ensure they educate their subjects, especially the youths, to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the elections. He had always told the youths that they should vote for candidates of their choice, and never indulge in violence because someone doesn’t like their candidate.
As the Vice Chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Etsu Bologi II influence transcends Patigi Emirate. He has been part of every important committee in the state and the entire northern region on peace and security. This is in addition to collaborating with other Nupe traditional rulers in Kwara, Niger and Kogi states to ensure the preservation of Nupe culture and traditions.
As we continue to enjoy peace and progress in Patigi Emirate, we pray Allah to bless Ba’agadozhi with long life and sound health on the throne of our forebears.
