AASU President Osisiogu Osikenyi Turbaned Dalma of Kodape Chiefdom
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In a ceremony rich with cultural symbolism and national significance, H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi E., President of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), was officially turbaned as the Dalma of Kodape at the Esu Kodape Palace in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The event, held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, drew a diverse crowd of dignitaries, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and community members from across Nigeria.
The appointment, conferred by His Royal Highness Amb. Esu Kodape JP, was celebrated not only as a personal honor but as a symbol of unity and inclusivity. Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, the newly turbaned Dalma expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the broader meaning of the day.
“This honour represents the oneness and togetherness of the Nigerian state,” Osisiogu said. “Those who beat the drums of disunity will be ashamed today. This community has shown that it is very hospitable, allowing people from all walks of life to thrive, succeed, and raise their families. This is unity that must be celebrated.”
He emphasized that the chieftaincy title is not merely ceremonial but a call to service. “It’s a responsibility,” he noted. “We have to join hands with the established rulership and hierarchy of this community to push for its development. My duty now is to mobilize both indigenes and residents to ensure that Kodape, and other communities in Karu, Keffi, and Kokona, become better than we met them.”
Osisiogu’s message to the community was one of continued unity and progress, transcending ethnic and settler divides. “We are all united,” he affirmed. “We have no reason to fan the embers of disunity. Nasarawa, Karu, and Kodape have spoken loudly that we are one.”
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Ori Patrick Ochioni, a former Labour Party candidate and now a chieftain of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), praised the recognition of Osisiogu’s contributions to the community. “He has his house here, his family here, he pays taxes here, and he contributes to development,” Ochioni said. “That qualifies him as a bona fide member of this local government and of Nasarawa State.”
Ochioni lauded Osisiogu’s leadership within AASU and his growing influence in Nasarawa. “Even among all those coronated today, he has more followership. The palace accepted him because he has shown capacity. We should be proud to have someone like him in our midst.”
Looking ahead to 2027, Ochioni shared his vision for political collaboration under the YPP banner. “We are building a team. He alone cannot do it. I alone cannot do it. The government alone cannot do it. We’re working to bring at least 22 State Assembly members under YPP so our people can access development and good governance.”
The turbaning ceremony was followed by a reception at DeVic Hotel in One-Man-Village (Koroduma), where guests continued the celebration with music, cultural performances, and expressions of solidarity.
With this appointment, H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi E. steps into a new role that blends traditional leadership with continental advocacy, reinforcing the power of unity and the promise of progress in Nasarawa State and beyond.
