Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed support for the traditional institution in the State.
He gave the assurance when he received a delegation of elders, traditional rulers, and sons and daughters of Ayetoro-Gbede community in Ijumu Local Government Area at the Government House in Lokoja.
While emphasizing the vital role of traditional rulers in community development, conflict resolution, and the preservation of cultural heritage, Governor Ododo described traditional rulers as “pillars of grassroots governance” whose wisdom and leadership are key to sustaining peace and ensuring progress at the community level.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to stamping out criminality in the state.
He called on traditional rulers to caution members of the community against collaborating with criminal elements and warned against indiscriminate sale of land without due process and proper profiling.
Governor Ododo thanked the delegation for their solidarity and for the confidence reposed in his administration.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, High Chief, Samson Arowosafe commended Governor Ododo for his developmental strides, particularly in Ayetoro-Gbede community.
He noted that the delegation was at the government house to express appreciation for the Governor’s presence at the recent coronation ceremony of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewomi Sunday, the Ologe I, Olu of Ayetoro-Gbede.
He thanked Governor Ododo for appointing a son of the community, Hon. Sunday Faleke, into his cabinetas as the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs— a gesture he said reflects inclusivity and recognition of local talent.
Arowosafe also applauded ongoing road construction and drainage projects in the community, while calling on the Governor to intervene in the revitalization of the general hospital in the area, which he said had existed since the administration of the late Governor Adamu Atta in the old old Kwara state.
He also praised efforts by the state government to improve the security situation in the area.
In his remarks, the Ologe I of Ayetoro-Gbede, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewomi Sunday, expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for the support for traditional rulers and interventions in infrastructural development in the community.
He pledged the support of the people of Ayetoro-Gbede to the present administration in the state.
