Ibaji Hall of Fame Honours APC Reps Hopeful Michael Ojotule with Prestigious Leadership Award
In a vibrant ceremony that underscored the power of grassroots leadership, the Ibaji Hall of Fame has bestowed its esteemed Leadership Award on Prince Michael Ojotule, the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Idah Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives slated for 2027 elections.
The honour, presented amid cheers from supporters, community leaders and residents in Ibaji Local Government Area, celebrates Ojotule’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of the downtrodden.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, this recognition positions the Ibaji Prince as a frontrunner in the race, highlighting his track record of tangible impact in one of Kogi State’s most challenging constituencies.
The event, held at the Ibaji Town Hall, drew dignitaries from across the Igala kingdom, including traditional rulers, youth groups, and APC stakeholders.
Prince Ojotule, a philanthropist and businessman with deep roots in Igala Kingdom, received the award for his consistent interventions in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Over the past decade, he has rendered assistance to people in remote communities, and provided startup grants to women-led cooperatives, initiatives that have directly touched thousands in Idah Federal Constituency.
The Hall of Fame, a non-partisan body dedicated to immortalizing excellence in Kogi East, selected Ojotule after rigorous nominations and vetting, affirming his role as a beacon of hope amid economic hardships.
Speaking during the award presentation, the Chairman of the Ibaji Hall of Fame, Chief Emmanuel Ebije, praised Ojotule as “one of the best leaders we are proud of.” Ebije emphasized that the aspirant has done so much for his people and the broader Igala race over the years, often without seeking political office. “Prince Ojotule’s hands have been the hands of compassion; he feeds the hungry, heals the sick, and educates the future. In a time when politics is marred by promises without delivery, he embodies service,” Ebije declared, as the hall erupted in applause.
The group’s statement detailed specific impacts, including Ojotule’s outreaches that served many people over the years
Ojotule’s journey to this honour reflects a life of quiet service rooted in Igala traditions of communal welfare. Born into the royal family of Ibaji, he rose through business ventures in agriculture and real estate, channeling profits into community development. Political observers note that his non-tribal approach has earned him endorsements beyond party lines, including from opposition figures impressed by his empowerment programs for widows and orphans.
“This award is not just personal; it’s a validation of the Igala son’s capacity to lead at the national level,” said Dr. Fatima Yusuf, a lecturer at Kogi State University, who attended the event.
As the APC primaries loom, Ojotule’s endorsement by the Hall of Fame could sway delegates in Idah Federal Constituency, a hotbed of political rivalry.
Incumbent representatives have faced criticism for inadequate infrastructure, making Ojotule’s people-centered resume a strong differentiator.
Party insiders whisper of his growing war chest, bolstered by diaspora support from Igala indigenes in Lagos and Abuja. Yet, the aspirant remains focused on legacy: “Leadership is not about titles; it’s about lives changed,” he told reporters post-ceremony.
The ceremony featured cultural displays, including Igala dance troupes and gospel renditions that resonated with Ojotule’s known patronage of religious causes.
Awardees before him include notable figures like former governor and philanthropists, placing Ojotule in elite company.
Women groups, who benefited from his largesse, led chants of solidarity, signaling robust grassroots mobilization.
This honour arrives at a pivotal moment for Kogi politics, where federal representation is key to tackling flooding, unemployment, and insecurity in the Niger-Benue confluence zone.
As Prince Michael Ojotule steps up his campaign, the Kogi Hall of Fame’s nod reinforces his narrative as a tested leader ready for Abuja’s hallowed chambers.
