The traditional rulers in Kogi Central Senatorial District have been urged to use their positions as royal fathers to foster unity and peace in their respective domains.
The Kogi State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Elijah Evinemi, made this call on Thursday during his tour of palaces of traditional rulers across the Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area of the state.
Mr. Evinemi noted that royal fathers, as custodians of the culture and traditions of the people, have significant roles to play in ensuring peaceful coexistence among the diverse clans in the community.
The Head of Service’s first stop was at the palace of the Ohi of Ihima, where he informed the first-class traditional ruler that the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been advocating for peace in Ihima and throughout the state.
He emphasized that without peace, unity, and mutual understanding, no community can achieve the desired development.
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“I am paying this homage to all traditional rulers in Ihima today, firstly to formally present myself as the Head of Service appointed by His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and secondly to express my gratitude to the governor for the favor he has done for the people of Ihima with this appointment.
“I am also here to inform the traditional rulers that the current administration has substantial development plans for the people of Ihima and the entire Okehi Local Government Area.
“Without cooperation and a unified voice, achieving these development goals will be challenging,” Evinemi stated.
“Therefore, I am passionately appealing to all traditional rulers in Ihima to put aside any past grievances so we can take advantage of this rare opportunity that God has presented to the people of Ihima in this administration.
“Ihima is represented in the Senate, House of Representatives, and other political offices, with appointments such as Commissioner, Special Advisers, and now the Head of Service.
“This is a time for unity to translate these appointments into tangible development for Ihima.”
In response, the Ohi of Ihima, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ogido Abdulraheem, noted that all clans in Ihima have benefited from the current administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, declaring that there is no reason Ihima should not cooperate and support the government.
The royal father praised the appointment of Mr. Elijah Evinemi as a well-suited choice, emphasizing that the Ihima community would remain grateful to the governor.
“Governor Ododo has done a lot for us. Currently, as I speak, there are ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects in Ihima, in addition to the political appointments granted by the governor.
“May God continue to bless him and the Head of Service, along with everyone working with the governor,” the royal father said.
At the palace of the Idu of Oha, His Royal Highness Adai Salawu Hassan Aje commended the Head of Service for the visit, stating, “Anyone who believes in their roots and remembers home will never regret their actions.”
He promised that, as traditional rulers, they would continue to ensure peace prevails in the community, and he appealed to all appointees from Ihima to do their utmost in uplifting the image of Governor Ododo’s administration.
Additionally, at the palace of the Obobanyi of Ohionwa, Dr. Jimoh Eneji Ahmed assured the Head of Service that, as traditional rulers, they would work together to maintain peace in Ihima town and expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for the appointment of their son as Kogi State Head of Service.
The Head of Service also visited other traditional rulers, including the Ohiomata of Odumi, Chief James Otaru; the Ogubanyi Aninyere of Ihima, Chief Yakubu Sunday; the Ogasube of Ure of Ihima; the Obobanyi of Ohueta, HRH Omonori Zubairu; and the Ava’abe of Averehi of Ihima, among others.
