***Decries almost 12 years of injustice, denial
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
The newly installed Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe Kingdom in Kogi State, Dr Saidu Akawu Salihu has described his installation and ascension of the throne as divine intervention through Governor Yahaya Bello, to correct a “monumental wrong” of over 12 years.
His Royal Majesty, Saidu Akawu Salihu, the 27th Ohimege, disclosed this during his installation and presentation of Staff of Office by Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello on Wednesday at his palace in Koton-Karfe.
The traditional ruler thanked God for the opportunity to serve his people and commended Governor Bello for his boldness in righting a “monumental wrong” and subversion of justice meted to him in the past through political manipulation.
He said that selection of the Ohimege had always been an unambiguous tradition and his selection was not an exception as went ahead to chronicle the process of his selection for the Ohimege stool and his endorsement by all relevant stakeholders in April, 2012.
“On the 14th May, 2012, the Lokoja/ Kogi-Koton-Karfe Area Traditional Council also endorsed my selection; the state Council of Chiefs finally endorsed the report before it was submitted to the then State Governor, Alhaji Idris Wada at the Lugard house.
“A politically induced committee was put in place and the result was a subversion of our cherished tradition and due process.
“As a fervent believer in the wish of Allah and a strong advocate of peaceful co-existence, I resolved not to challenge the action in court but to leave everything in the Hands of Allah, the Disposer of all affairs.
“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 said.
The Royal Father noted that Koton-Karfe kingdom has direct border with the Federal Capital Territory yet, has a near zero Federal presence.
He therefore appealed 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.
Akawu called on sons and daughters of the kingdom at home and in the diaspora, to be united and promote the collective values and cultural antecedents to ensure the continuous growth of the kingdom.
“In conclusion, I promise to serve with Humility, Integrity and Dedication and to uphold the tradition 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”, he said.
HRM Salihu, the new Ohimege who was appointed on 8th January, 2024, was born on 11th March, 1964. He is the 27th Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe; from Odaki Rulling House and belongs to the 8th generation of Ohimege Ohetenye Family lineage. (Ends)