By Muslimat Itopa
Traditional Rulers have been called upon to uphold the culture and traditional value of the people
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the call during the presentation of Staff of office to His Royal Majesty Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju Egbon L’ONA 1 at the Government House Lokoja.
People of Akinrin Community, Traditional Rulers, families and friends of the Akinrin of Ekinrin storm Kogi State Government House Lokoja to witness the presentation of staff of office to Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju Egbon L’ONA 1 by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo following his accelerated grading and upgrading by the former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello
Governor Ododo in his address at the event acknowledged Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju as a key figure in upholding cultural values and playing a significant role in the socio-economic progress of his community.
He said the presentation underscored the government’s recognition of the traditional council’s role in governance and community development, stressing collaboration between the government and traditional institutions for sustainable development.
“We are here today to celebrate the amazing color of history.decades ago the icon of excellence that we are here to honor was buzzing in the classroom at the Abdulazeez Atta Memorial College in Okene shaping destinies and mentoring leaders that are today giving back to the Society ”
He advised the traditional Rulers to cooperate with the state government not to allocate land indiscriminately to landgrabers disguising as investors.
Governor Ododo also highlighted his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional rulers in their efforts to lead and unite their people for the overall benefit of the state and Congratulate the people of Ekinrin for having an Akinrin who is loved and respected by all.
The Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy affairs, Barrister Deedat Ozigi congratulated the royal father and pledged the unwavering support of his ministry for effective leadership role in maintaining law and order in his domain
He implored the Oba of Akinrin of Ekinrin, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju to use the opportunity given to serve to ensure peace and harmony in every nook and cranny of the kingdom and appreciated the governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for setting the record straight.
In a remark the Director News and Current Affairs of TVC and also son to the traditional ruler, Babajide Otitoju appreciated the immediate past governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the present governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for the presentation of staff of office to his father and described him as a disciplinarian who has impacted so much in his while growing up and expressed optimism in his father to bring peace and harmony to the people of Ekinrin and Ijumu LGA in general.
