Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Deedat Ozigi to immediately commence the process of upgrading the stool of the Akinrin of Ekinrin to a first class status
The Governor gave the directive on Saturday during the coronation of the Akinrin of Ekinrin, Oba Johnson Kolade-Otitoju, noting that for fairness, justice and equity which his government represents, the community deserved such recognition.
He re-affirmed his respect for the traditional institution in the state and particularly Ekinrin-Ade, a community he described as peaceful and courageous.
Governor Bello congratulated the newly coronated traditional ruler, whom he recalled to be a pioneer teacher at Abdul-Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene. He describing the monarch as a disciplinarian while also attesting that the Royal Father have lived a fulfilled life with point of reference to successful wards the Oba has raised.
While assuring the Royal Father of continued support from the government, he noted that Ekinrin-Adde would benefit from several of his administration’s plan for the traditional institution including the plan by the Ministry of LGA and Chieftaincy Affairs to give traditional palaces a befitting appearance across the state.
The governor also used the occasion to congratulate Kogi West senatorial district whom he described as great lovers of education over the recent approval of the establishment of Kogi State University, Kabba. He also thanked the citizens for their efforts and cooperation towards the actualisation of this long desired aspiration by the people of the region.
He pointed out that his government was solely interested in ensuring that the people make progress and they feel the impact of good governance while he again appreciated the traditional institution for their support and encouragement which he noted has compelled his government to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
In his vote of thanks, veteran journalist and son of the coronated traditional ruler, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju thanked the governor and his entourage for gracing the occasion to rejoice with the community and gift such a pleasant surprise of the stool upgrade.
He noted that the governor made the occasion a memorable one adding that his good deeds would continue to be remembered in the history of the state.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the November 11 Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo; his Chief of Staff, Pharm. Abdulkareem Jamiu; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Deedat Ozigi; State Accountant General, Alhaji Jubril Momoh as well as other top government functionaries.
