Hon Hassan Atawodi congratulates the new Ohimegye-Igu of Koton Karfe »

…charges him to exercise his office with the fear of God.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, presented the instrument of appointment and staff of office to the newly appointed Ohimege-igu of Koton Karfe, HRM Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, as the traditional ruler of Koton Karfe in Kogi State.

Present at the occasion are the chairman of the Ofu Local Government Area Council, Hon. Sani Hassan Atawodi, and the SSA to the governor on inter-religious matters, Alhaji Sani Mohammed Salihu. Conveying his message to the Ohimege through the press, the chairman encourages the newly appointed ruler to discharge his duties with the fear of God.

“The heart of a king is in the hands of God.” Before we were born, God knew everything about us, including our last day. This responsibility given to the newly appointed Ohimege is a call to serve the people’s kingdom and not be served. Again, as followers, we must learn to understand that leadership or rulership is not easy. HRH Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu is human and can make mistakes. It is our responsibility to always pray for him and the throne he has ascended. If there is a need to criticise him, we should do it with love.”

He described the newly appointed Ohimege as hardworking, honest, and committed to the development of its immediate environment, saying that the Ohimege is one of the few highly reputable and respected personalities, not only within Kogi State but in Nigeria as a whole.

In his remark, the SSA to the governor on inter-religious matters, Alhaji Sani Mohammed Salihu, pointed out one of the responsibilities of traditional rulers and called for cooperation from his subjects. “Traditional rulers are helpful in providing adequate security in the state; they are supposed to be given the opportunity to make their own contributions in finding a lasting solution to any security challenges in their community. HRH, the 27th Ohimege, can only achieve this responsibility if we cooperate with him,” he concluded.

Earlier in his speech, the governor warned against crises in every community within the state and described traditional rulers as stakeholders who play a vital role in ensuring the security of the lives and property of their subjects in their domains. He advised Ohimege to always seek advice on issues he was not clear about before making decisions.

The Ohimege, whose appointment was made on January 8, 2024, is the 27th Ohimege Igu of Koton-karfe. He is from Odaki Rulling House and belongs to the 8th generation of the Ohimege Ohetenye family lineage.

Present at the occasion are: the governor-elect, Alhaji Usman Ododo; the deputy governor-elect, Comr. Joel Salifu; the speaker of the state house of assembly, Hon. Umar Aliu; the secretary of state government, Mrs. Arike Folasade; the Ejeh of Ofu, HRH Akuh Obaje, who represented the Ata of Igala, HRM Matthew Okpanachi; the minister of information and national orientation, represented by the director of media, Mr. Haruna Saeiman; Hon. Barr. Salami Momodu Ozigi-Deedat, APC state Chairman, Alhaji Bello Dollars, caretaker Chairman of Koton-karfe local government area, Hon. Musa Abdulmalik and many others.