Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Wednesday presented the Staff of Office to the 27th Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe Kingdom, HRM. Saidu Akawu Salihu.
The new monarch who is also the Chairman of Lokoja/Kogi/Koton-Karfe Traditional Council received his Gold Plated staff in His Koton-Karfe Palace amidst cheers and excitement.
The 26th Ohimeghe of Koton-Karfe, Alh. Abdulrazak Isa Koto was Dethroned and Deposed by the Kogi State Government.
While presenting the staff of office to the traditional ruler, Governor Yahaya Bello admonished the Monarch to use his office to protect his subjects as well as residents and citizens of the Igu Kingdom.
The governor commended the Citizens of Koton-Karfe for standing by the truth and allowing due process in the selection of the Ohimeghe of Koton-Karfe.
In his response, the Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe thanked Governor Bello for standing by the truth and making way for justice. He said “I thank Allah for seeing this day and thank the government of Kogi State under the able leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the boldness in righting a monumental wrong. By this singular action he has saved our well cherished age long traditional institution from public ridicule and prevented the rubbishing of the decision of our kingmakers”.
“I call on every son and daughter of the kingdom, at home and in the diaspora, to be united and promote our collective values and cultural antecedents to ensure the continuous growth of our kingdom. Let us eschew crime, criminality and other vices that are alien to our culture and inimical to the development of our kingdom.
“I shall work with all well-meaning sons and daughters of the kingdom to promote the welfare of our people. I shall promote justice and fairness in all ramifications as these are the basic ingredients for peace and progress in our communities. Koton-Karfe kingdom has direct border with the Federal Capital Territory yet, has a near zero federal presence.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal government to take advantage of the peace, security and the physical location of Koton-karfe Kingdom to locate prominent parastatals and institutions in the Kingdom. I also appeal to both the federal and state government to consider Sons and daughters of Koton-Karfe in distribution of appointments both at federal and state levels.
He promised to serve with Humility, Integrity and Dedication and to uphold the traditions and values of our kingdom.
“I will be a listening ear, a strong advocate and a bridge builder. My doors will always be open and your voices will always be heard. With your support and the grace of Allah, I am confident that we will create a future filled with pride, harmony and boundless opportunities. Thank you all and may our kingdom continue to thrive and flourish under our shared vision.
Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu was born on 11th March, 1964 to the family of Late Chief Salihu Umar Danmadaki and Late Hajia Aishetu Salihu of Odaki- Koton-Karfe in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His Royal Majesty started his Primary School Education in Kogi L.S.B Koton-Karfe between 1970-1976.
In 2012, HRM Salihu contested the position of Ohimege and the Kingmakers endorsed him but the Dethroned Ohimege got the support of the previous administration and was installed on the 12th of October, 2012.