Ankpa LG Chairman Hosts Traditional Rulers, Pledges Synergy for Sustainable Development »

The Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, Engr. Ademu Mohammed Yahaya, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working collaboratively with traditional rulers to promote peace, progress, and sustainable socio-economic development in the local government area.

Engr. Yahaya made this known on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during a strategic meeting with traditional rulers at the Council Hall. He noted that the gathering was convened to engage with the royal fathers, who are custodians of the people’s heritage and tradition, in order to foster a harmonious working relationship for grassroots development.

Highlighting the vital role of traditional institutions in achieving good governance, particularly at the community level, the Chairman stressed the need for continued collaboration and mutual respect between the council and the traditional leadership.

Key resolutions from the meeting, as outlined in an official circular from the Kogi State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, include:

The indiscriminate conferment of chieftaincy titles must cease immediately.
Traditional rulers are now required to obtain formal approval from the local government council before embarking on official trips outside Ankpa LGA.
The appointment and approval of Gagos (community representatives) will henceforth be carried out solely by the local government authority to prevent community disputes arising from unilateral appointments.
District Heads have been cautioned against undermining the authority of superior traditional rulers and must act only on directives issued by them.
The creation of chiefdoms remains the exclusive responsibility of the government, not traditional rulers.
Traditional rulers are urged to respect the office of the Executive Chairman and refrain from acts of insubordination.
Traditional rulers who host Fulani herdsmen causing unrest from other areas must ensure such individuals vacate their communities. Only herdsmen who have lived peacefully within Ankpa LGA will be allowed to remain.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Onu Ankpa, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar, expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman and council officials for the engagement. He pledged the full support of the traditional council to the local government administration and assured strict compliance with the newly established guidelines.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hajia Halimat Imam; Zonal Security Adviser to the Governor (Ankpa Federal Constituency), Rt. Hon. Ahmed Mohammed; Special Adviser to the Chairman on Special Duties and Political Matters, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu; Director of Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Shuaibu; Secretary to the Council, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Shekuru Jibrin; HOD Education, Hajia Vivian N. Idama; Local Government Treasurer, Mr. Monday Aku, and heads of security agencies.