By Stephen Adeleye
The Olu of Apata, Oworo, in Lokoja Local Government Area, HRH Oba Amb. (Dr.) Fredrick Durojaiye Balogun Jp, has expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for upgrading his stool from second class to first class status.
The elevation was announced by the governor at the 7th Oladele John-Nihi, OJN, Symposium on Wednesday in Lokoja where the Olu of Apata served asThe Royal Father of the Day.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the announcement, Oba Balogun described the elevation as “an unexpected lifting and a divine recognition of our modest efforts to sustain peace in Apata Kingdom.”
“I am overwhelmed with excitement! This honor came as a surprise to me, my council of chiefs, and the entire people of Apata.
“I am deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for singling me out for this worthy and noble promotion,” the royal father said.
Oba Balogun praised the Governor for his humility, accessibility, empathy, and commitment to inclusive governance, noting that the decision reflects the administration’s respect for traditional institutions.
“Governor Ododo has shown that he values peace, unity, and the role of traditional rulers in grassroots development.
“His leadership style is people-centered, and this gesture will further strengthen the bond between government and the people at the grassroots,” he added.
The monarch pledged the continued loyalty and support of the Apata people to the Ododo administration in promoting peace, security, and community development.
“This elevation will challenge us to do more. The people of Apata Kingdom will not be ungrateful but reciprocate this kind gesture at the appropriate time. We will continue to be partners in peace and progress with the government,” he said.
The traditional ruler also extended his appreciation to the Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly, RH Umar Yusuf Aliyu, Secretary to the government of Kogi State; Chief, Pastor Mrs., Folashade Arike Ayoade PhD, Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, the Auditor General of Local Government, Barrister S.J. Ehimoni, DG BPP, Kogi State, among others.
The Olu of Apata further commended the celebrant, OJN, for keeping the symposium alive for seven years, describing it as a platform that has promoted youth unity and statewide development.
Governor Ododo, while announcing the promotion, commended Oba Balogun for maintaining peace in his domain and urged him to sustain the tempo.
The Olu of Apata, until the elevation, held the status of a second-class chief.
The announcement attracted loud jubilation by the 1,500-capacity crowd, including members of the Apata Council of Chiefs and indigenes present at the symposium.
