By Kebba Ansu
The Paramount Chief of The Gambia, Momodou Bojang and His Royal Highness (HRH) Oba (Rtn) Dr. Moshood KB Abolade (Ariwajoye 1), Royal Father of Nigerian Community in The Gambia (King) has differed in opinion over the recognition of foreign national Kings residing in the country
Recently, Paramount Chief, Momodou Bojang has made scattering remarks on the recognition of foreign national Kings residing in The Gambia, arguing that these Kings are not recognized and cannot hold such titles in The Gambia.
According to him, one cannot enjoy the status of a King in two countries at the same time, arguing that it will be illegal to claim the status of a king in two different countries at the same time.
Bojang further submitted that carrying the title of a king in two different countries simultaneously can cause rift and misunderstanding in the society, emphasising a King from Nigerian or any part of Africa cannot have the authority to rule over his disciplines in The Gambia.
However, The Voice Newspaper spoke with HRH Oba Moshood KB Abolade who was recently honoured as the Royal Father of Nigerian Community in The Gambia, who differs with the submission of the Paramount Chief, Momodou Bojang. According to him, this is possible depending on the will of the authorities and the subjects, revealing that his position is recognised by the Nigeria government and the Nigeria High Commission in The Gambia as well as the Nigerian community in The Gambia.
“I was coroneted on the 3rd June, 2012, some nine (9) years ago. To be coroneted as a King is not a child play as I was crowned by three (3) prominent chiefs from Nigeria who came to The Gambia with the backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” said HRH Dr. Mashood Abolade.
According to him, the coming of three prominent Nigerian chiefs was occasioned by the government of Nigeria, adding that his coronation was witnessed by former Nigerian High Commissioner, former Paramount Chief of The Gambia and the Nigerian community.
“My ascension to the throne has met all the standard requirements of such titles and has been endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Royal Father of Nigerian community in The Gambia explained.
His Royal Highness also dilated on Gambia-Nigerian relationship disclosing that it has surpassed the diplomatic level and has now developed to people to people relations, adding that the two countries has a lot of things in common ranging from the colonial legacy, religious, cultural, socio-economic and traditional values.
H.R.H Dr Moshood KB Abolade (Ariwajoye 1) also called on all Nigerians living and working in The Gambia to remain committed and dedicated to their various economic activities, noting that as traditional rulers their expectation is for all Nigerians to always be law abiding and tax compliance in the collective desire for growth and progress.
