Olu Samuel,Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has presented the Staff of Office to the 27th Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe Kingdom, His Riyal Majesty 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.
He replaced the 26th Ohimeghe of Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa Koto who was dethroned and deposed by the Kogi State Government for not being the rightful owner of the throne
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.
Yahaya Bello 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”.
He promised to serve with Humility, Integrity, Dedication and to uphold the traditions and values of Igu kingdom. He added ” I will be a listening ear, a strong advocate and a bridge builder”.
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.
He attended started L.S.B Primary School 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.